Location: F*** me. We're so f***ing good, you check the f***ing standings? Lets f***ing go! F***ing practice!
Exp:
Not sure how much ice-time Backlund is going to be able to handle tonight, he is battling the flu and Loubo was saying today at noon that Backs was actually on IV to get some fluids in yesterday.
__________________ Backlund for Selke 2017 2018
Oilers suck.
Some people need to get a grip about Brouwer. I cringed when we picked up Brouwer and I still cringe when he's on the PP. But as far as his game goes, he's been serviceable and we aren't losing games because of him, we're losing games because guys that should be scoring are not scoring and our PP has been pretty terrible as a group.
As far as Brouwer being on the line with Backlund and Tkachuk, I think it will suit his style because that line primarily plays a north south game which a lot of it is dump and chase as well aside from Backlund skating the puck in sometimes.
Also to echo what some already said, it's another big body veteran presence when Tkachuk starts to stir things up and Brouwer never walked away from scrums. So I have no issues with him being on the "2nd" line.
Some people need to get a grip about Brouwer. I cringed when we picked up Brouwer and I still cringe when he's on the PP. But as far as his game goes, he's been serviceable and we aren't losing games because of him, we're losing games because guys that should be scoring are not scoring and our PP has been pretty terrible as a group.
As far as Brouwer being on the line with Backlund and Tkachuk, I think it will suit his style because that line primarily plays a north south game which a lot of it is dump and chase as well aside from Backlund skating the puck in sometimes.
Also to echo what some already said, it's another big body veteran presence when Tkachuk starts to stir things up and Brouwer never walked away from scrums. So I have no issues with him being on the "2nd" line.
Really Brouwer hasn't seen any real PP time is a while. The last 7 games he has a total of 43 seconds of PP time.
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Hands down the best line the team has had in December.
Exactly, that’s why you keep that line together.
Hope Brouwer gets a couple points this next few games too...having everyone confidence bumped up a couple notches does wonders for this team.
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Personally, I would rather have Lazar on the line with Backlund. Speed I think is so important for a checking line 5 on 5. Lazar is also a big body that likes to hit on the forecheck, and he was known for being a 2-way player in the Dub, and has been utilized as a checker in his time with Ottawa. I don't think he has been terrible defensively thus far. As an added bonus, just maybe he starts clicking offensively if given a chance.
I do think that Brouwer is just too slow and inconsistent with his defensive play. He makes some really smart defensive plays that I personally find very impressive (and not just because it is Brouwer, but because they are actually impressive plays defensively for anyone to make!), but then on the same shift he turns around and coughs the puck over so easily.
With that being said, perhaps this is the opportunity to make Brouwer have a bit more jump in his game, and helps get him going. I think we will see that line have a few rotations of Brouwer, Lazar and Mangiapane cycling through until hopefully one of those guys provides solid minutes.
Mangiapane may be a rookie, but that line has always had rookies play up on it rather effectively. I would take the chance and have him cycle into that line for a few shifts and see if he holds his head above water. At least there are options.
I actually don't mind this (today):
Lazar-Stajan-Mangiapane
I liked what I saw from the 4th line last game and thought that Eat Bread really made the old guys work hard and fast - and for the most part they did. Reminded me a little bit of having the young guys playing with Hudler a few years back.
Maybe it'll instill some fire in Staj. I like the guy and really want to see him succeed; I think he's a quality human and can be a phenomenally effective checker.
It's tough against the Kings because they tend to be pushy, so hoping the boys can keep it together tonight and win one for the coach...(it does hurt saying that in ways, but it's still about the team - and the team needs wins).
GFG!!
(and if not...GTFOGG? or does that wait until after ANA?)
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