Could we build another scoring line around Mike Rupp?

Rupp was outstanding on Greene's goal. He seems to be really stong on that cycle play where he shuffles the puck back to a hard shooting defenseman and then makes life hell in the slot.

I'd like to see him play on an offensive line, but at the same time, I really like our top two lines of Elias-Gomez-Gionta and Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner.

Could something be built around him and Clarkson? Maybe add Brylin or a skill guy on the right side? Play them maybe 10 min. a game, they could add some snarl and hard nosed scoring. I'd like that more than the 4th lines built around Janssen and Rasmussen that don't seem to do a whole lot.

I think it could be an effective line. Especially since the Devils have 3 or 4 good shooters on the blueline now.

Rupp has his day here and there but he's no offensive threat. He now where near Clarkson's as scoring potential goes. He's a 4th liner at best. He's no even a Randy McKay

Rupp has his day here and there but he's no offensive threat. He now where near Clarkson's as scoring potential goes. He's a 4th liner at best. He's no even a Randy McKayRupp is more than "a 4th liner at best." Randy McKay scored 20+ goals twice for the Devils, including 24 in 1997-98. Twenty-four would be behind just Zach Parise (31) and Brian Gionta (25) on this year's New Jersey offering. Lots of guys aren't "a Randy McKay."

I agree that Clarkson has something to offer this team in the future, maybe even in the playoff run, but it does not mean that Mike Rupp doesn't have something to contribute to the organization.

Rupp skates well for a big man, has good hands and can protect the puck really well, as was evident on the Devils first goal last night. He also stood up for his teammates again by dropping the gloves, which isn't really one of his specialties. He did though.

I wouldn't mind moving Rupp up to the first or second line next season. If we can't grab a power forward out of FA, it's worth a try. Our first line in 2003 was Elias-Gomez-Rupp.

However, I think people here give too much credit to Clarkson and his "goal-scoring ability." Give it a season before you pass judgment.

no.

I've wanted a fourth line of Rupp-Dowd-Brylin all season long because I think they'd be solid defensively and still chip in a few goals if given sufficient icetime. Put Clarkson with Madden.

What about Rupp-Dowd-Clarkson as a 4th line?

why is it everytime rupp does anything people start spraying their shorts. rupp has been serviceable, but on a scoring line full time is laughable. he wont be missed next year and there are several guys within the organization that could do the same and better.

Don't think of it as a scoring line. Think of it as a forechecking line which puts up points.

Next season, assuming Dowd retires, we could have a fourth line of

Rupp - Pelley - Clarkson

why is it everytime rupp does anything people start spraying their shorts. rupp has been serviceable, but on a scoring line full time is laughable. he wont be missed next year and there are several guys within the organization that could do the same and better.

Did you even read the post? I'm talking about 10 minutes of ice time for some quality banging and forechecking and the ability to chip in some goals - not Rupp on a line with Scott Gomez and Zach Parise. At lease as puzzling as the "spraying of shorts" you refer to is the complete refusal of some fans to give Rupp any credit at all. Especially considering the love shown for a guy like Janssen, who is essentially worthless in the playoffs.

Rupp sure made the most of his minutes last night. Great effort, a huge assist and, when called upon, answered the bell and won a big fight.

You want to have a "Scoring Line" centered around Mike Rupp, the best chance would be...

Brylin - Rupp - Clarkson

Put Rassy on the Madden line. And sit Jimmy Dowd.

(Although Rass- Rupp - Clarkson would be nasty in the hitting department and perhaps more fun to watch...)

Rupp and Clarkson both could do well in a PP role in front of the net - screen the goalie and tap in garbage rebounds and deflect the shots from the point.

You cannot build a scoring line around Mike Rupp. You build scoring lines around Sidney Crosby and on a lesser level (though enormously talented) Zach PArise.

Mike Rupp would be a nice addition to a scoring line.

If Mike Rupp played on a line with Sidney Crosby and Jaromir Jagr, it would make a nice scoring line.

Mike Rupp with Jim Dowd and Erik Rasmussen may score a total of 15 goals a year. Mike Rupp with Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta may not be such a bad line.

I don't think Rupp can log more than 10 minutes a game, nor should he. He is good for what he is. Just my opinion.

I wish he were a modern-day Clark Gillies, but he ain't.
Just the facts ma'am, I mean man. ;)

Later. Take care!!!!