Niedermayer21
12-08-2005, 02:37 AM
I decided to keep Niedermayer27 for the rest of the season as a tribute to Scott. Obviously, we would be so much better with him, but I know why he left and I also understand why Scott Stevens is staying retired. Things change and usually not for the better.
I am proposing this lineup which I think will get us into the playoffs. After that, it is a crapshoot, as always. But Marty will have to stand on his head and stop giving up "soft" goals.
Okay, here goes:
Rasmussen--Gomez--Gionta
Brylin--Kozlov--Mogilny
Pandolfo--Madden--Langenbrunner
Elias--Parise--Marshall
Langdon and Pihlman (Zajac for the playoffs???)
Rafalski--White (Right defenseman first)
Brown--Martin
Malakhov or McGillis--Matvichuk
Albelin or Hale
Brodeur
Clemmensen
We will be a much better team once Patrick Elias returns. No *****, right? I would start him on a fourth line with Zach and Grant Marshall. Zach has disappointed the hell out of me. However, if he plays with Patrick for a little while, he may start coming around. Marshall played well with Gomez and Patty a few years ago. If Zach does not pick up his play, Pihlman can fill in. We have to be patient with both. If Zach needs to go down to Albany for a bit, I am sure management will put him there.
I want to try Erik Rasmussen on the first line for a few games. He is a big guy with some skill who could give Gomez and Gionta a little more room to work. Also, if someone takes a cheap shot at either Gomer or Brian, Rasmussen could put them in their place. Elias can ease himself back into the lineup on the fourth line while Rasmussen gets promoted to the first line. In time, Elias will take his place with Gomez and Gionta.
On defense, I have not been thrilled with either Malakhov or McGillis. But when Patty comes back, one has to go. We won't get much unless we include another player, possibly Ari Ahonen.
I like Paul Martin on the left side and Sean Brown on the right side. I think they would make a good pair.
Marty has to pick up his play. Larry has to make sure he is not overworked, just in case we make the playoffs. Clemmensen is not that bad and should play 15 to 20 games IMO. I would like to see Ahonen play an NHL game before he is traded or picked up on waivers.
I love Travis Zajac. When the college season ends, I would love to see Lou sign him and put him on the fourth line after a little time at Albany, if necessary and/or possible.
I just want to make the playoffs this year and then see how far we can go. My expectations are very low. Next year will be our year as Zajac should be a full-timer, Elias should be healthy from the start, and Lou finds a defenseman who can replace Nieder's offense (Bryan Berard?) and Scott Stevens' leadership and toughness (If David Hale is healthy, can he step up his game enough to be half of what Stevens was at the end?).
If I forgot someone, please correct me. And of course, feedback is welcome. Bashing me is not as I feel bad enough about losing Niedermayer and watching the Devils perform at a level far below what I am used to. Larry looks like this season will make him ill. Bobby Carpenter had to leave the organization to take care of his father. And Pat Burns may not win his bout with cancer. This has been a horrible season and although I love Brian Gionta, he is no Jaromir Jagr. It is killing me to watch the Rangers play so well. Don't add to my misery! :rant:
Thank you!!!
I am proposing this lineup which I think will get us into the playoffs. After that, it is a crapshoot, as always. But Marty will have to stand on his head and stop giving up "soft" goals.
Okay, here goes:
Rasmussen--Gomez--Gionta
Brylin--Kozlov--Mogilny
Pandolfo--Madden--Langenbrunner
Elias--Parise--Marshall
Langdon and Pihlman (Zajac for the playoffs???)
Rafalski--White (Right defenseman first)
Brown--Martin
Malakhov or McGillis--Matvichuk
Albelin or Hale
Brodeur
Clemmensen
We will be a much better team once Patrick Elias returns. No *****, right? I would start him on a fourth line with Zach and Grant Marshall. Zach has disappointed the hell out of me. However, if he plays with Patrick for a little while, he may start coming around. Marshall played well with Gomez and Patty a few years ago. If Zach does not pick up his play, Pihlman can fill in. We have to be patient with both. If Zach needs to go down to Albany for a bit, I am sure management will put him there.
I want to try Erik Rasmussen on the first line for a few games. He is a big guy with some skill who could give Gomez and Gionta a little more room to work. Also, if someone takes a cheap shot at either Gomer or Brian, Rasmussen could put them in their place. Elias can ease himself back into the lineup on the fourth line while Rasmussen gets promoted to the first line. In time, Elias will take his place with Gomez and Gionta.
On defense, I have not been thrilled with either Malakhov or McGillis. But when Patty comes back, one has to go. We won't get much unless we include another player, possibly Ari Ahonen.
I like Paul Martin on the left side and Sean Brown on the right side. I think they would make a good pair.
Marty has to pick up his play. Larry has to make sure he is not overworked, just in case we make the playoffs. Clemmensen is not that bad and should play 15 to 20 games IMO. I would like to see Ahonen play an NHL game before he is traded or picked up on waivers.
I love Travis Zajac. When the college season ends, I would love to see Lou sign him and put him on the fourth line after a little time at Albany, if necessary and/or possible.
I just want to make the playoffs this year and then see how far we can go. My expectations are very low. Next year will be our year as Zajac should be a full-timer, Elias should be healthy from the start, and Lou finds a defenseman who can replace Nieder's offense (Bryan Berard?) and Scott Stevens' leadership and toughness (If David Hale is healthy, can he step up his game enough to be half of what Stevens was at the end?).
If I forgot someone, please correct me. And of course, feedback is welcome. Bashing me is not as I feel bad enough about losing Niedermayer and watching the Devils perform at a level far below what I am used to. Larry looks like this season will make him ill. Bobby Carpenter had to leave the organization to take care of his father. And Pat Burns may not win his bout with cancer. This has been a horrible season and although I love Brian Gionta, he is no Jaromir Jagr. It is killing me to watch the Rangers play so well. Don't add to my misery! :rant:
Thank you!!!