Jim Dowd

Is he the answer as fourth line center? Did Lou show too much loyalty bringing him back into the fold? Would the team be better served with Rupp/Rasmussen or the top center in Lowell with limited minutes or would it make no difference at all? Most nights, he doesn't do a whole lot to stand out from his teammates, but its tough to size up his overall effectiveness when the fourth line gets used in some games and hardly used at all in others.

Dowd certainly isn't the problem with the 4th line and I think he has played well given what he has had to work with. The problem is Janssen and his lack of skill holds his line mates back. When Janssen was out the 4th line played very well and got offensive cycles going and even got scoring chances and a couple of goals.

Dowd also played well when Gomez was out and he was moved up to play with Madden and Pandolfo. I think the addition of Dowd has been a plus.

Is this a joke? Dowd has played well.

Yeah, sorry dude, I thought he has been very good as well. He rarely makes bad decisions with and without the puck and is always defensively responsible, in fact I would love to keep him next year and even further if he can play like the way he has played for us this year.

I think he can be to our forwards the way Tommy Albelin was to our defensivemen. Dependable and solid.

I don't think Dowd is that much of an improvement over Rassmussen, but Dowd probably is a little better offensively.

I thought Dowd has played remarkably well. As a matter of fact I think he makes the 4th line tons better than it was last season.

Dowd has really impressed me this season. He's not afraid to shoot the puck.


Although.. he often misses the net. :D

Although.. he often misses the net. :D

So does the rest of the team.

I don't think Dowd is that much of an improvement over Rassmussen, but Dowd probably is a little better offensively.
Dowd also plays the PK very well. I like it when he and Brylin are on, they are more of a shorthanded threat than Madden and Pandolfo (not for lack of chances though).

Ever since Dowd started playing the 4th line is not anywhere near the liability they were. Rupp is playing better and Janssen can get thrown in without completely blowing any chemistry that's developed...he may even get another shot on goal soon!

I really would prefer Rasmussen in the lineup over Janssen, now Dowd.

Rasmussen - Dowd - Rupp would be a great fourth line, IMHO. Janssen brings a physical, fighting presence... but not a whole lot else.

I really would prefer Rasmussen in the lineup over Janssen, now Dowd.

Rasmussen - Dowd - Rupp would be a great fourth line, IMHO. Janssen brings a physical, fighting presence... but not a whole lot else.

This is exactly what I came to realize when Janssen was hurt.

This is exactly what I came to realize when Janssen was hurt.

I can say for certain Rass is nt too happy about it either.

Is this a joke? Dowd has played well.

I really would prefer Rasmussen in the lineup over Janssen, now Dowd.

Rasmussen - Dowd - Rupp would be a great fourth line, IMHO. Janssen brings a physical, fighting presence... but not a whole lot else.

I think the great part is that they are interchangeable....they all work well together....its a shame one always has to it out a night....but while on that subject i think Hle need s to be sat out a couple of games every other d-man is outplaying him, i think its tiem we give some of the young guys a a chance to explore our options before Matty returns.

Dowd played very well for Colorado in the playoffs last year. I'm sure he would ideally be on the third line with Madden and Pando but Brylin has that spot.

Dowd has played well, but the player I would like to see on our 4th line is David Clarkson. Of course we have to wait for his cap hit to go down and he doesn't have to replace Dowd either. Nice article on David in the lastest addition of "The Hockey News." It quotes that he is turning into a power-forward who plays with an edge, will drop the gloves and can bury the puck. His favorite player was WendelClark.

Dowd's been great...he actually adds skill to the 4th line and put in time on the pk...great pickup by Lou and he's getting the league minimum..Wait til the playoffs..Dowd will be a vey nice asset to have..

Dowd's been fantastic for you guys. Remove Janssen from the line and it's one of the best 4th lines in the league. Dowd knows his role and he plays hard every single night. Gives 110% game in, game out. I love the guy and I've loved him his whole career. One of the best role players in the entire NHL.

And as jerseydevil said it, wait till the playoffs. Dowd is fantastic in the playoffs.