Blackjack
10-20-2006, 03:41 AM
I think for the first time since I started following the Devils, their best line isn't a line at all.
Parise-Gomez-Gionta, and Elias-Zajac-Langenbrunner have proven to be very effective scoring lines. Parise, Zajac, and Langenbrunner have done a fine job supporting the elite trio, producing 8 goals and 12 points in just 7 games. When balanced with our excellent checking line, they give outstanding depth. They prevent other teams from stacking their defense to stop one unit, and they ensure that our forwards will not be overworked.
But there is another line. It is almost a legend by now. It has surpassed the A-Line, the J-Line, the Maddenbrunner line, and every other great Devils line.
When the Devils badly need goals late in the game they have the unthinkable luxury of lining up a top 3 leaguewide playmaker , a top 3 leaguewide sniper, and a top 3 leaguewide forward. Even greater than the sum of its parts, the EGG line, when matched up against a game-worn defense and a fatigued goalie can score almost at will. Evidence - in the two wild third period comebacks at CAA this year, EGG has been on the ice for 4 of the 5 third period goals, while it's three members registered a staggering 12 points.
This reminds me of what Colorado used to do with Petr Forsburg and Joe Sakic. Not looking to make player comparisons here, but late in the game they used to play together when Colorado badly needed a goal. I think the EGG line might be even better than that option, and might be the best "secret weapon" in the game today.
Parise-Gomez-Gionta, and Elias-Zajac-Langenbrunner have proven to be very effective scoring lines. Parise, Zajac, and Langenbrunner have done a fine job supporting the elite trio, producing 8 goals and 12 points in just 7 games. When balanced with our excellent checking line, they give outstanding depth. They prevent other teams from stacking their defense to stop one unit, and they ensure that our forwards will not be overworked.
But there is another line. It is almost a legend by now. It has surpassed the A-Line, the J-Line, the Maddenbrunner line, and every other great Devils line.
When the Devils badly need goals late in the game they have the unthinkable luxury of lining up a top 3 leaguewide playmaker , a top 3 leaguewide sniper, and a top 3 leaguewide forward. Even greater than the sum of its parts, the EGG line, when matched up against a game-worn defense and a fatigued goalie can score almost at will. Evidence - in the two wild third period comebacks at CAA this year, EGG has been on the ice for 4 of the 5 third period goals, while it's three members registered a staggering 12 points.
This reminds me of what Colorado used to do with Petr Forsburg and Joe Sakic. Not looking to make player comparisons here, but late in the game they used to play together when Colorado badly needed a goal. I think the EGG line might be even better than that option, and might be the best "secret weapon" in the game today.