Quote:
Originally Posted by HighLifeMan
Lindholm and Huberdeau's game's are far too similar offensively in the sense that they both require line mates who can create open ice for them, and neither of them can do that all that effectively themselves. Huberdeau needs his linemates attacking with speed and opening lanes in order for him to use his elite vision to put pucks into areas where the defenders are not. Lindholm needs his linemates skating and creating open ice so that he can find the soft spots in coverage to unleash his shot. They just don't mesh, and the line becomes slow in transition and too stationary in the offensive zone. I will give credit to Sutter for realizing that early last season when many (including myself) thought it was mistake to split the two. Now, if we had a talent like Johhny to compliment them, then it would be a different story, but we don't.
Lindholm stinks in transition which for a center is a serious concern. This is why he thrived with Johhny - who could slice his way through the neutral zone and gain zone entries with ease. How many times have we seen Lindholm attempt to carry the puck up the ice only to dish it to a stationary Huberdeau at the blueline who then has no time and space and is forced into a dump in or turnover? Huberdeau then get's all the blame.
Backlund is really the best fit for the guy, but they haven't played together at all this season which I find astonishing.
|
I think they know Backlund can play with Huberdeau, they proved it last year. The criticism was they didn't give Lindholm/Huberdeau enough of a chance last year, so maybe they are trying to avoid the same criticism.
It's funny though - Huberdeau played his best season with Bennett, who I don't think of as a carry-in guy (his net crashing certainly takes defenders' attenion though). And with Duclair who is a smallish buy fast guy. I think they figured Kadri was as close to a Bennett as the Flames had.