Just because Valimaki isn't limping doesn't mean he is ready to go. Normal walking may be fine for him, but strenuous activity may hamper his ability to play. They are also in a good position where they don't have to rush him back into the lineup. Get him to 100% instead of 80% before putting him back into the lineup. Don't create the potential for future injury problems by rushing him.
Derek Ryan is a bit of a black hole up there on the second line. But I just don't know who the solution would be until Backs is back.
But more so than bennett, it has been Ryan who has been out of position in attack, and losing the puck.
pretty obvious that Bennett was gripping stick too tightly after generating some pretty decent chances his first 5 games on 2nd line. Hoping he just needs a kick in the pants because I doubt ryan czarnik is the best pair to play with thachuk.
I would also like to see the top line split up to see if that could get anyone else going, we are starting to be a little top heavy and it kills us in games where those guys aren't on. Luckily thats rare
Disagree on Ryan being out of position and losing the puck more than Bennett. Before, the excuse was that he was anchored with Jankowski and Brouwer. This season, it's that he's anchored with Neal and Ryan when on the third line. We'll, he got time on the second line with Backlund and Tkachuk and he still couldn't score (though he still had energy as he always does).
It's time that Bennett's potential as a number 4 pick and wonder boy are put away for good and we accept that he is an energy guy who simply doesn't have the skillset to produce at the NHL level. He is very useful though with the style he plays, crashing, banging and creating turnovers. Just hope that it isn't him on a breakaway or alone in the slot.
I think at this point we should be considering giving Lindholm his own line, even though it's really tough to break up that top group. Tkachuk is wasted with ####ty linemates. Put the top unit back together when guys start coming back in.
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Following practice, Peters also had an update on the status of injured players ...
"Not close," he said regarding all four.
He singled out Frolik, in particular, and said it's still "going to be a while."
"I think it's week-to-week for him."
The update on Backlund, though, was much more positive.
"I haven't seen him since he got hit, to be honest," Peters said. "I know he was coming in, spending some time with (Athletic Therapist) Kent (Kobelka) and getting on the bike, so... I don't think it's close, but he's feeling better."
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I actually don't see this as a demotion for Bennett, I think Peters is using him to give that line some buzz. In the game against the preds at the weekend that line was noticeably better once Bennett was added imo.
I think Lindholm fits better with Gaudreau and scoring off the rush. Also gives him another trigger guy in Neal. Hopefully turning Neal’s season around.
Monahan’s line having a down low presence with an ability to grind out goals.
Still allows for Jankowski and Ryan to C 3rd and 4th lines
Neal lets plays die on his stick way too often. I don't want him anywhere near the top line.
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It is not his foot speed in isolation that is the concern. It is the pairing of 2/3 players with poor foot speed on a scoring line that is the issue. I honestly don't recall who Neal played with regularly in his last two stops, but I would warrant a good deal of his success come from the fact that he was 1) faster a couple years ago than he is now, and/or 2) his line mates could move.
But Bennett can skate. So can Czarnik. Frolik moves better than Neal and he is a superior defensive player. It's not just about finish, it is about finding balance between a variety of factors which include overall speed and quality of back-checking.
I don't want to turn this into another Bennett hate fest and you make good points again about the skating aspect of the line, but what exactly did all of Bennett's great skating produce offensively for a number of games? The second best line on your team needs to score goals. It's not like Tkachuk is some plodding snowshoer on the ice. He moves around more than adequately and both Ryan and Backlund can certainly wheel as centermen. I just can't accept the concern over speed for that line when the alternative is essentially a negative replacement offensively in that RW spot.
Maybe Czarnik is the answer, I don't know. What I do know is Neal didn't suddenly become absolutely inept after a decade of success in a variety of different environments. His success has always been built around playing with a skilled, creative player and he would have that in spades with Tkachuk (and Backlund).
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I hate to tell you this, but I’ve just launched an air biscuit
Last edited by Hot_Flatus; 12-11-2018 at 03:05 PM.
Our centre depth could be much better. Imagine if Monohan or Backs get injured in the playoffs. I think this wouldve been the time to try out Lindholm.
I'm fine with this. Bennett on the fourth line makes more sense than him on the second as he clearly lacks the finish at the NHL level but is still a useful player when he's on his game.
I think its time the fans realize this as well.
Ryan playing 2nd line minutes even given the players that are out with injury is not a good decision.
Ryan is too big an offensive black hole to deserve to play 2nd line minutes. Ryan should basically just get the role that Stajan had last year and that's about it. Would prefer Bennett centre the 2nd line despite the fact that he's also an offensive black hole because he has more offensive skill and upside than Ryan does.
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