On the bright side, Clarkson has been outstanding

The loss today for lack of better words sucked. However, we have to be very pleased with the way David Clarkson has played. A goal, assist, and roughing minor in this afternoon's game is quite a good game for his second game. He's proven so far that he is very much in the Randy McKay mold. Our playoff lineup up front will be deadly since the cap does not apply in the playofs.

Elias-Gomez-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Clarkson[yes just keep him up here]
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Dowd-Brylin
Rasmussen and Janssen as reserves

I don't like breaking up the PZL...

I think he'll do better with Maddawg and Sarge.

I don't like breaking up the PZL...

I think he'll do better with Maddawg and Sarge.

You wanna break up Madden and Pandolfo?

You wanna break up Madden and Pandolfo?

Hmm... Where would Sarge go?

PZL has been our hottest line all year.

A little quicker and I think he could be a poor mans Ryan Smyth. Very good in close.

Elias-Gomez-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langebrunner
Pandolfo-Madden-Clarkson
Rupp-Dowd-Brylin
Rasmussen and Janssen as reserves

fixed. I don't want to break up Madden and Pando or the PZL line. And the 4th line with Brylin would be ****ing sick.

Maybe?

Elias-Gomez-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Lagenbrunner
Pandolfo-Madden-Brylin
Rupp-Dowd-Clarkson????

I'd probably keep Rassmussen and Janssen as reserves as well for tough games in Janssens position.

I don't really want to break up PZL and PMB. From what I've seen of Clarkson and from Rupps ability on the top line to create scoring chances, they would work well and we'd have another scoring line.

Not to say that Clarkson is only worth a 4th line position, but given the chance I'd think we'd be able to get more offensive chances with two guys who've been getting more pucks on net.

Maybe?

Elias-Gomez-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Lagenbrunner
Pandolfo-Madden-Brylin
Rupp-Dowd-Clarkson????

I'd probably keep Rassmussen and Janssen as reserves as well for tough games in Janssens position.

I don't really want to break up PZL and PMB. From what I've seen of Clarkson and from Rupps ability on the top line to create scoring chances, they would work well and we'd have another scoring line.

Not to say that Clarkson is only worth a 4th line position, but given the chance I'd think we'd be able to get more offensive chances with two guys who've been getting more pucks on net.

Yeah that would work too. But something about Dowd and Brylin together gets me fired up. And Rupp is just the man

Yeah that would work too. But something about Dowd and Brylin together gets me fired up. And Rupp is just the man

Truth be told, I wouldnt mind seeing Pelley center that line with Rupp and Brylin. But I love Dowd's experience in the playoffs.

However, I don't see them demoting Brylin to the 4th line, again, the experience factor. Clarkson would be much more likely to end up on the 4th line with Rupp. And, to be honest, Rupp-Pelley-Clarkson kinda has a nice ring to it.

Nah I don't really like Pelley to be honest. Rupp-Dowd-Clarkson would be the best 4th line. But that will never happen because they seem to love Rasmussen for some reason.

Pelley needs more development time. But if works hard enough, he can make an impact on the Devils.

Pelley needs more development time. But if works hard enough, he can make an impact on the Devils.

Rod Pelley = John Madden in 1998-1999.

Not ready for prime time, yet.

meh, he needs to stop falling.

IMo he isn't nearly as fast as Madden

Maybe?

Elias-Gomez-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Lagenbrunner
Pandolfo-Madden-Brylin
Rupp-Dowd-Clarkson????

I'd probably keep Rassmussen and Janssen as reserves as well for tough games in Janssens position.

I don't really want to break up PZL and PMB. From what I've seen of Clarkson and from Rupps ability on the top line to create scoring chances, they would work well and we'd have another scoring line.

Not to say that Clarkson is only worth a 4th line position, but given the chance I'd think we'd be able to get more offensive chances with two guys who've been getting more pucks on net.

i like that too

make the fourth line more of a scoring line but without sacrificng that toughness, because as we all saw on Thursday in Carolina Clarkson can hit. If you still dont believe me ask Corey Stillman he'll vouch for me.

I think I noticed a few times when Clarkson fell as well, but can't say that Pelly didn't fall either.

Everybody falls, I don't think we should get on top of them just for that. They looked fine the other night. Didn't see today's game so I couldn't tell you what I thought of the two of them if they were in the lineup.

IMo he isn't nearly as fast as Madden

He can work on that. Again, he really needs to bulk it up in the AHL. Really get himself strong and fast, and he can be a good replacement for Maddawg.

Clarkson looked great with Parise and Zajac. I think they should stay. Clarkson is defineltey one of our fastest players too, he was flyign out there on some plays.

When Elias and Madden come back (if it is soon) why don't we try

Elias-Gomez-Langenbrunner
Parise-Zajac-Clarkson

This is a SERIOUS compliment from a Rangers fan: Clarkson's got a bit of Graves in him, IMO.

This is a SERIOUS compliment from a Rangers fan: Clarkson's got a bit of Graves in him, IMO.

And Callahan is seriously awesome. Good game by him tonight against Boston. :yo:

This is a SERIOUS compliment from a Rangers fan: Clarkson's got a bit of Graves in him, IMO.

Or Randy McKay...and if he comes anywhere close to being the player McKay was, I'll be more than happy.

He's a much better version of Janssen. Almost a perfect mix between Cam and Langenbrunner and I forget who said it here but yeah he looks a lot like Ryan Smyth, generating a lot of chances in front.

I share the same sentiments about both Pelley and Clarkson. However I think everyone is busting a nut over them a little pre-maturely.

I agree they both show signs of being great utility-type players that can change games. However, I don't think they have the ability to consistently do that on this level and it would be a mess to put them in for the playoffs over anyone who already has the experience.

However, I understand these guys were under the microscope unlike most guys out there the past two games but seriously...everyone above omitted Rass from the lineups. Have you not been watching him play on the top line? You can say all you want that playing with skill players makes you better, but he made the amazing pass the other night to put us up, he's been skating extremely fast, and generating some offensive opportunities.

Quite frankly I think he's a lot better than the role he's been playing this season here, which makes me wonder why he ever even came back. Sure he's feisty and aggressive, but he also possesses the ability to play decent offense too. Depending on our playoff matchup, I'd like to see them convert the 4th line into an offensive line and just leave Cam out unless his physical play is needed. It would be great to be able to roll 4 lines.

However, I understand these guys were under the microscope unlike most guys out there the past two games but seriously...everyone above omitted Rass from the lineups. Have you not been watching him play on the top line? You can say all you want that playing with skill players makes you better, but he made the amazing pass the other night to put us up, he's been skating extremely fast, and generating some offensive opportunities.

Quite frankly I think he's a lot better than the role he's been playing this season here, which makes me wonder why he ever even came back. Sure he's feisty and aggressive, but he also possesses the ability to play decent offense too. Depending on our playoff matchup, I'd like to see them convert the 4th line into an offensive line and just leave Cam out unless his physical play is needed. It would be great to be able to roll 4 lines.

Well, Rasmussen was drafted 7th overall back in 1996, so somebody thought he had some decent skills at some point. I think he can be a very effective fourth liner who can fill on any other line for short periods of time, but to expect him to play at a high level over a long period of time on any of the top lines is a bit much. I like him as a role player because of his versatility, size, and physical game.

When the Devils get healthy up front (which I hope happens by the time the playoffs roll around) I wouldn't have any problem with sending Janssen back down and maybe keeping Clarkson or Pelley up. Come playoff time, I don't think Cam will be in the lineup all that much unless they have injury issues. He can be effective, but I'd rather have Rasmussen/Dowd/Rupp as the fourth line because they can at least create some offensive chances and all have playoff experience.

He's a much better version of Janssen. Almost a perfect mix between Cam and Langenbrunner and I forget who said it here but yeah he looks a lot like Ryan Smyth, generating a lot of chances in front.

He does remind me of Smyth with his front of the net presence, but I don't think he'll develop the speed or finesse that Smyth has.

Glad to see Clarkson helping you guys.

I'm a Bruins fan but I'm also a very big Lowell Devils fan too. He likes to drop the gloves and he likes to get in the face of other players. I've seen a few of his fights and I also went to a game where he got a hat trick.

Too bad I won't be seeing him down in Lowell anymore :-(

All I know is that we can use his grit and skill. At the very least Clarkson should make the 4th line for the playoffs.

And we need Matvichuck ASAP.

When Elias and Madden come back (if it is soon) why don't we try

Elias-Gomez-Langenbrunner
Parise-Zajac-Clarkson

I don't understand why everyone is so willing to break up one of our hottest and most dominant line all season. Parise-Zajac-Lagenbrunner have been together a lot longer then what Clarkson has been with those two and he's only been in 2 NHL games.

Plus, Elias-Gomez-Gionta work well together because of chemistry. We have to keep chemistry in check when putting together lines. I think Clarkson deserves more of a 4th line position because he needs more time to develop unless he's sent back down to Lowell. Sure, Clarkson has been good so far, but we really need to think about experience and chemistry. I think we are forgetting that Clarkson is a rookie and still needs to develop his skills before even considering putting him on the top lines.

I'm not bashing Clarkson as I think he's done good for us in filling in. But, that's all he is for right now until Elias and Madden and Gionta come back. I think come playoff time I would really like to keep the chemistry of the PZL together.

I'm sure he looked great with Parise and Zajac, but my point is that I would really like to see Clarkson develop more on the 4th line and get more experience before putting him on the top lines. I really don't like seeing chemistry being broken. We don't know how good the Parise-Zajac-Clarkson line will last because they only played together for one game? I don't remember if they played together on thursday's night game or not. All I'm saying is that I just want to keep chemistry and experience together and let things work themselves out and Clarkson will eventually get on the top line sooner or later, but I'm pulling for the latter.

I don't understand why everyone is so willing to break up one of our hottest and most dominant line all season. Parise-Zajac-Lagenbrunner have been together a lot longer then what Clarkson has been with those two and he's only been in 2 NHL games.

Plus, Elias-Gomez-Gionta work well together because of chemistry. We have to keep chemistry in check when putting together lines. I think Clarkson deserves more of a 4th line position because he needs more time to develop unless he's sent back down to Lowell. Sure, Clarkson has been good so far, but we really need to think about experience and chemistry. I think we are forgetting that Clarkson is a rookie and still needs to develop his skills before even considering putting him on the top lines.

I'm not bashing Clarkson as I think he's done good for us in filling in. But, that's all he is for right now until Elias and Madden and Gionta come back. I think come playoff time I would really like to keep the chemistry of the PZL together.

I'm sure he looked great with Parise and Zajac, but my point is that I would really like to see Clarkson develop more on the 4th line and get more experience before putting him on the top lines. I really don't like seeing chemistry being broken. We don't know how good the Parise-Zajac-Clarkson line will last because they only played together for one game? I don't remember if they played together on thursday's night game or not. All I'm saying is that I just want to keep chemistry and experience together and let things work themselves out and Clarkson will eventually get on the top line sooner or later, but I'm pulling for the latter.

I actually think we should split Gomez and Elias up. Gomez seems to play better without Elias.

Not to mention we have 2 playmakers on this team, and maybe it would be good to have them on different lines.

I actually think we should split Gomez and Elias up. Gomez seems to play better without Elias.

Not to mention we have 2 playmakers on this team, and maybe it would be good to have them on different lines.

Agreed wholeheartedly. It's become like Elias and Sykora after the A-line got stale; each one spends so much time looking for the other one that nothing productive actually happens.

Does that mean you break up Parise and Zajac, though? I'd hate to do that, but I also really think they need to break up Elias and Gomez.

Elias - Zajac - Langenbrunner/Gionta
Parise - Gomez - Langenbrunner/Gionta
Pandolfo - Madden - Clarkson
Rupp - Dowd - Brylin
Janssen

Rafalski - Lukowich
Martin - White
Oduya/Greene - Matvichuk
Oduya/Greene

Brodeur
Clemmensen

1. Break up Elias and Gomez
2. Find a place for Gionta and Langenbrunner - we have 3 right wings and 3 spots for them, including Clarkson, but we need to figure out where each belongs.
3. Andy Greene or Johnny Oduya?
4. Create a fourth line we're comfortable playing 10 minutes a night.

Elias-Zajac-Langs
Parise-Gomez-Gionta

We could try these lines again.

I don't understand why everyone is so willing to break up one of our hottest and most dominant line all season. Parise-Zajac-Lagenbrunner have been together a lot longer then what Clarkson has been with those two and he's only been in 2 NHL games.

Plus, Elias-Gomez-Gionta work well together because of chemistry. We have to keep chemistry in check when putting together lines. I think Clarkson deserves more of a 4th line position because he needs more time to develop unless he's sent back down to Lowell. Sure, Clarkson has been good so far, but we really need to think about experience and chemistry. I think we are forgetting that Clarkson is a rookie and still needs to develop his skills before even considering putting him on the top lines.

I'm not bashing Clarkson as I think he's done good for us in filling in. But, that's all he is for right now until Elias and Madden and Gionta come back. I think come playoff time I would really like to keep the chemistry of the PZL together.

I'm sure he looked great with Parise and Zajac, but my point is that I would really like to see Clarkson develop more on the 4th line and get more experience before putting him on the top lines. I really don't like seeing chemistry being broken. We don't know how good the Parise-Zajac-Clarkson line will last because they only played together for one game? I don't remember if they played together on thursday's night game or not. All I'm saying is that I just want to keep chemistry and experience together and let things work themselves out and Clarkson will eventually get on the top line sooner or later, but I'm pulling for the latter.Yeah I totally agree as well. But the lines I made are for when Gionta is NOT back. Who else would go up with Elias and Gomez? I think Langs is the best choice even though I do agree with not breaking up the chemistry of PZL. But I also hate Brylin or Rassmussen up there.

Personally I think Clarkson would work on any line and may be better suited with Gomez or Elias.

Personally I think Clarkson would work on any line and may be better suited with Gomez or Elias.

wow I didn't even think of that. That would be interesting. We gotta see how he plays these next few games to see if he can skate at this level for more than 2 games.

Personally I think Clarkson would work on any line and may be better suited with Gomez or Elias.

I agree. His game seems to find good chemistry with diversely skilled linemates.

I agree that Clarkson could quite possibly work very well with Gomez and Elias considering it might be looking like we won't get Gionta back till the playoffs, which is disappointing.

I'm just pointing out that we can't forget that he needs time to develop and should be put on the top lines when he's ready after everyone comes back that is. The only thing that irked me about putting him on the top lines is that he doesn't have a whole lot of experience yet, he just has 2 soon to be 3 NHL games under his belt.

I'm just trying to look to the future a bit when Elias and Gionta return. As I said, I'm not bashing Clarkson, I just want to look at things here more realistically as I'm pretty sure once Elias and Gionta come back, both of them will be put right back together with Gomer and Clarkson will at most be moved to the 4th line if Lou decides to keep him up here.

Or Randy McKay...and if he comes anywhere close to being the player McKay was, I'll be more than happy.

I think his skating is what separates him from McKay. McKay was a decent skater, but was more of a plodder. Clarkson has a really great, powerful stride.

I like the idea of having jamie on 1 st line until gionta returns. and keeping clarkson with zach/zajac for the time being. my concern is defense. white's wrist is still bothering him, and oduya's (who btw did well in a scrap with adams the other night) is inconsistent. I think matvichuk will be the steadying force back there.

Clarkson reminds me of Todd Bertuzzi with the physical play and very nice offensive upside.

I don't want to jump on his dick or anything, but he could be our savior this year.

I mean a physical two way forward, who can put the puck in the net? Thats what we exactly needed.

he has the two way forward part down
he has the speed part down
he has the physical part down.

Only thing we dont know right now is what type of goal scorer is he?

10-15 a year
15-20
20-25
25-30
30+?

I don't want to jump on his dick or anything, but he could be our savior this year.

I mean a physical two way forward, who can put the puck in the net? Thats what we exactly needed.

he has the two way forward part down
he has the speed part down
he has the physical part down.

Only thing we dont know right now is what type of goal scorer is he?

10-15 a year
15-20
20-25
25-30
30+?
Lets not get ahead of ourselves right now. We've been calling him the next McKay, and McKay scored goals but was never a top-line goal scorer.

I don't want to get too excited but it's pretty hard not to. While Clarkson in the minors and such hasn't shown the potential to be much more than a Randy McKay type (which isn't a bad thing at all, in fact, a compliment) up in the big leagues he has had more of an impact in his first 2 games than many big name rookies in their first 2. He's fought, blocked numerous shots, set up nice plays, scored, crushed players........in his first 2 games!! lol. He hasn't just been a nice surprise but one of the devils more dominant players. It's happened before with many young players. Just look to guys like Prucha or Pavelski who really weren't slated to be much more than lower line guys but have come up to the NHL and have shown that they can more than just hang, but that they have bright future's.

That said, it's a tough call on where to put Clarkson once everyone is healthy, but what can be said is that if he plays every game like the last 2, how do you take him out of the lineup? I really don't see the devils doing that. I mean, if everyone is healthy with a few games left they will have to send him down I guess for cap purposes? but when the playoff's start I think we'll see him come back up. When everyone is healthy here is my playoff lineup........

Elias-Gomez-Clarkson----I think they should give it a shot. He could create space, be an enforcer for them, and he's going to throw the opposing players off their game giving Gomez and Elias less pressure. Plus he's fast enough to join the rush, crash the net, and get goals. After all, Marshall also played the first line in the '03 playoffs if I remember, and added a nice dynamic.

Parise-Zajac-Langs---Don't wanna shake things up too much, plus they're too good together.

Pando-Madden-Gio----I know it's odd. Gio on the third line. But he's played there before, can match Pando and Madden's intensity and is very good defensively. It also adds speed and a bonafide goal scoring threat to that line, that they not only can shut you down, but score.

Rupp-Dowd-Brylin----Brylin add's depth with experience, defense, and scoring punch.
ex:Ras, Janssen

Rafalski-White
Martin-Matvichuk
Oduya-Luko
ex: Greene

I don't think Gio will produce at all on the third line imo, but yea they could try it.

This is a SERIOUS compliment from a Rangers fan: Clarkson's got a bit of Graves in him, IMO.

Their development would be similar if he does come anything close to Graves. Graves wasn't slated to be more than a 3rd liner in Edmonton.

I've been more than optimistic with the way Clarkson has been playing. In just two games, he looked very well suited to stay at this level... and he's playing well while the team is not, so imagine how he'll play when the team is performing at its top level.

Matvichuk definitely will be back by the playoffs (someone I know is friends with him) and I think maybe Janssen needs to sit a bit more. He doesn't really bring all that much to the ice.

I think his skating is what separates him from McKay. McKay was a decent skater, but was more of a plodder. Clarkson has a really great, powerful stride.

Who the hell are you?!!? ;)

This is starting to get funny. Clarkson is a 3rd/4th liner right now, no better probably not worse. People really need to stop getting ahead of themselves.

I actually think we should split Gomez and Elias up. Gomez seems to play better without Elias.

Not to mention we have 2 playmakers on this team, and maybe it would be good to have them on different lines.

i concur gomez should play with north.south guys

parise/gomer/langenbrunner
elias/zajac/gionta
brylin/madden/pando
rupp/dowd or rasmussen/clarkson

i think the devils need young legs in the playoffs and clarkson has enought skill to play in the third period and he will stick up for teamates, something the devils lack

This is starting to get funny. Clarkson is a 3rd/4th liner right now, no better probably not worse. People really need to stop getting ahead of themselves.

yeah i like the idea of him coming up as a fourth liner on a fully healthy squad and see where it goes

his skating skills stillneed to improve, but i like his style but he is not top 2 line caliber at this point

This is starting to get funny. Clarkson is a 3rd/4th liner right now, no better probably not worse. People really need to stop getting ahead of themselves.

That's what I've been trying to point out. Everyone keeps forgetting this guys a rookie and yea he's looked great for two games, but we don't know how long that will last. He's only a fill in with Pelly until Elias, Madden and Gionta return. We need our regular lines together for the playoffs and as stated, Clarkson is best on the 4th line until he can find his legs in the big leagues if Lou decides to keep him up here. It's great that he scored his first nhl goal, but I don't like him on the 1st or 2nd line right now, he just seems out of place to me.

The coaching staff can try all the line changes they want right now with Clarkson, but once our top guys come back, they need to be put back together. They will bring their A game in the playoffs, I have faith in these guys and the team as a whole.

I think you also have to remember though, that playing on the top 2 lines doesn't always have to do with how skilled the player is, but how he lends himself to the dynamic of the line, and if he can improve that dynamic. Just because the player may not be as skilled as the other's, doesn't mean he will not improve the line. I'm sure no one really saw Marshall as a first line guy, or that Rupp would mesh fairly well with Gomez and Elias. We're also not exactly talking about Cam Janssen here, we are talking about a guy who has come up and has shown good skating ability, defensive play, play making ability, a nose for the net, a nice shot, and hasn't been intimadated of anything. He's been playing with 2 highly skilled players in Parise and Zajac already, and has more than kept up.

Lets not get ahead of ourselves right now. We've been calling him the next McKay, and McKay scored goals but was never a top-line goal scorer.

Well, if he's a player like Randy McKay then remember that McKay's season-by-season goalscoring and assist stats are VERY similar to those of Langenbrunner. So, if he's a McKay type of player we could expect 15-20 goals in an average year and 20-25 in good years.

Another Langenbrunner could help this team a bit.

I think you also have to remember though, that playing on the top 2 lines doesn't always have to do with how skilled the player is, but how he lends himself to the dynamic of the line, and if he can improve that dynamic. Just because the player may not be as skilled as the other's, doesn't mean he will not improve the line. I'm sure no one really saw Marshall as a first line guy, or that Rupp would mesh fairly well with Gomez and Elias. We're also not exactly talking about Cam Janssen here, we are talking about a guy who has come up and has shown good skating ability, defensive play, play making ability, a nose for the net, a nice shot, and hasn't been intimadated of anything. He's been playing with 2 highly skilled players in Parise and Zajac already, and has more than kept up.

The only thing I'm worried about is how everyone here is getting ahead of themselves and already calling him a superstar. I just don't want anyone to forget that this guys a rookie. He could easily show his rookieness like people have already said of Zajac at times and he could look like he doesn't know what is going on or he could continue on his hot bed and still play great. Once he goes under and starts showing his rookie legs, meaning not performing as he is now, then I'm sure everyone here is going to be down his throat.

If he can show the kind of play he is doing now on a consistent basis, I see no reason why he shouldn't be on the top lines. But, once our top guys come back as I already said, they should be put together again. Clarkson with the type of physical play I've seen of him should be a 4th liner like I said earlier. I like the way he charges the net and isn't intimidated by anything. However, I still think those are qualities of the purposes of our 4th line considering how the Devils are using the 4th line.

Can't we just enjoy watching a new face start his NHL career without the predictions and over analysis?

Can't we just enjoy watching a new face start his NHL career without the predictions and over analysis?

But this is HF!

Another great game for Clarkson. :handclap:

Lets not get ahead of ourselves right now. We've been calling him the next McKay, and McKay scored goals but was never a top-line goal scorer.
Yeah, but McKay scored 4 goals in a game...that's like 328 over a whole season...the coaches were just holding him back.

Yeah, but McKay scored 4 goals in a game...that's like 328 over a whole season...the coaches were just holding him back.
Hey, John Madden had 4 goals in a game too... THAT SAME GAME.

I chalk that one up to black magic. There is no other explanaition.