Practice notes July 20. Groups split into Main and taxi squads.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Yeah I thought it was the Lucic - Ryan - Dube trio that was clicking.

[AC]

Yes that was the trio.

I recall Bennett and Dube looking good together in other games, though the sample size is much smaller.

Bennett had 2 nice goals off Dube passes against Chicago at home when Ryan was out.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I don't think that's unrealistic at all. I could see that happening for sure.

But for playoff hockey I think we might see a very different line four.

I could see Rinaldo - Ryan - Robinson being the line.

I could see Robinson being useful against the Jets-he's huge, physical, and can skate. The Jets are a pretty big team.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by AC

Yes that was the trio.

I recall Bennett and Dube looking good together in other games, though the sample size is much smaller.

Bennett had 2 nice goals off Dube passes against Chicago at home when Ryan was out.

Bennett looked great at C when Ryan was out, and was getting better every game-but we can't put Bennett in a position to succeed.....

[AC]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1285452007516463105

[dammage79]

I ask myself, who would I put into a position to succeed more. A 33 year old journeyman or a 24 year old player looking to find stability? I know my answer. Ryan is a perfectly fine player and a great release valve if they need to relieve some pressure.

All I want to see is as much sustained opportunity for Bennett as possible.And I'd love it if theu started by leaving him in the 3 c slot.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by dammage79

I ask myself, who would I put into a position to succeed more. A 33 year old journeyman or a 24 year old player looking to find stability? I know my answer. Ryan is a perfectly fine player and a great release valve if they need to relieve some pressure.

All I want to see is as much sustained opportunity for Bennett as possible.And I'd love it if theu started by leaving him in the 3 c slot.

Lord,yes! Couldn't have said it better.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by dammage79

I ask myself, who would I put into a position to succeed more. A 33 year old journeyman or a 24 year old player looking to find stability? I know my answer. Ryan is a perfectly fine player and a great release valve if they need to relieve some pressure.

All I want to see is as much sustained opportunity for Bennett as possible.And I'd love it if theu started by leaving him in the 3 c slot.

Fine thought and it’s likely the long term answer, plus what the regular season should have been for.

On the other hand, Ryan is pretty darn good right now

As much as I want the coaches to get the most out of those guys, I really want to see the instant return of beast mode Backlund

He was so good that last, what, 15-20 games? Next level stuff

[AC]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Nobody's disputing that Ryan is important but he's proven in the past that he can succeed with anyone. But if you find a combo that works with Bennett... keep it together.

I think this is the rational that makes the most sense when it comes to Ryan and Bennett.

Ryan could plop into the 4th line with some combination of Jankowski/Czarnik/Rieder/Rinaldo and keep them from drowning in their own end while generating some offensive chances even.

Bennett and Lucic showed some chemistry previously, as have Bennett and Dube. We also know Bennett tends to raise all aspects of his game to another level (or 2) in the playoffs, so if there's some chemistry to be found with Lucic and Dube... I'm all for it.

Lucic and Dube seem to feed off each other, and I have a feeling Dube is going to be our secret weapon in the playoffs. I'd love to see Bennett a big part of that too.

[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by timbit

Not disputing you...but when did that happen?

The small sample size we saw when Ryan was hurt for a short stretch and to my eye those two were making some nice plays, feeding off each other.

[SebC]

I would argue that if Ryan, Bennett, Monahan and Backlund are our centres, then whatever line Ryan is on is the third line.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by SebC

I would argue that if Ryan, Bennett, Monahan and Backlund are our centres, then whatever line Ryan is on is the third line.

If his wings are Reider and Rinaldo I am not so sure that is the case.

[VilleN]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Peter Loubardias @fan960lou
Today’s lines main group.
Gaudreau-Monahan-Lindholm
Tkachuk-Backlund-Mangiapane
Lucic-Bennett-Dube
Rinaldo-Jankowski-Rieder

I Like that third line. Unfortunately what I think will happen is that once Ryan comes back, Bennett will be moved to 4th line RW... or is he LW... it's been too long.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

I agree with the Haynes tweet that if Bennett between Lucic and Dube can produce, then having Ryan centering the 4th line will really help the team’s overall depth. Janko has done so little this year that it makes sense to move him to wing or the press box. Bennett needs to bring it, though. At centre, he will need to exhibit vision that I haven’t really seen to any great extent.

[powderjunkie]

Originally Posted by SebC

I would argue that if Ryan, Bennett, Monahan and Backlund are our centres, then whatever line Ryan is on is the third line.

Lucic-Bennett-Dube is a great energy line.

Ryan-Rieder are the guys you want out there in to protect a 1 goal lead in the 3rd period. Janko fits a bit better in that sort of role (ie. a backup shutdown line throughout the game), but of course you could always swap him/Rinaldo with Lucic or Dube situationally.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by powderjunkie

Janko fits a bit better in that sort of role (ie. a backup shutdown line throughout the game)

Used to be. I really do not know what happened to him this season.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by VilleN

I Like that third line. Unfortunately what I think will happen is that once Ryan comes back, Bennett will be moved to 4th line RW... or is he LW... it's been too long.

If that happens I want Ward turfed. Every time Bennett has gotten an opportunity and shown something with this team he has gotten demoted. I would hope Ward is smarter than that.

[Roof-Daddy]

Every time we've gotten a new coach, he's played Bennett less than the prior coach.

[CsInMyBlood]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

If that happens I want Ward turfed. Every time Bennett has gotten an opportunity and shown something with this team he has gotten demoted. I would hope Ward is smarter than that.

Bennetts crappy play is the thing that gets him demoted.

The faction of this board that continually acts like Bennett keeps getting held down is ridiculous. Look at Mangiapaine. He played well and forced the hands of the coaches to move him up the lineup. He continues to play well and has kept his spot due to his play.

Bennett not so much.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

Bennetts crappy play is the thing that gets him demoted.

The faction of this board that continually acts like Bennett keeps getting held down is ridiculous. Look at Mangiapaine. He played well and forced the hands of the coaches to move him up the lineup. He continues to play well and has kept his spot due to his play.

Bennett not so much.

Disagree. Earlier this year, Bennett looked great playing 3rd line C in Ryan's abscence. He even started putting up numbers. I thought: there's no way they take Bennett out of that spot when Ryan comes back, he looks too good. First practice that Ryan was in, Bennett was gone. They didn't even keep him there for a game or two to see if it would still work.