3/4 lines

Its clear that right now no matter how much we are shuffling the lower 2 lines, we are still left with two 4th lines. This is why Zubrus and Zajac have to be paired together in my opinion. No matter how much they are struggling, they are still easily the 2 most skilled players on the lower lines, and they have to be put together to form a decent third line. As for the other winger on that line, the candidates would be:

Rupp - playing great but I really think we have problems if we are depending on him as a third liner. would be a very slow line, doesnt work in my eyes

Clarkson - Ive been really disappointed with his play lately, had Rupp wide open yesterday and chose to put his head down and try his toedrag which allowed a defender to catch up and block his shot. in theory he is a good third liner, but this line would also be too slow

Asham - has looked much better lately, could work on this line. I still prefer to have more of a skill guy, which is why i would pick:

Brylin - hes been knocked this year but he still has the skills in my eyes, he just hasnt been given a chance (i believe he got ~45 pts last yr). Brylin would add speed and creativity, while Zubrus would do the dirty work and Zajac would hopefully find his scoring touch. It would also allow us to have a true "banger" line for a 4th line with Rupp centering Clarkson and Asham (Brylin would be out of place on that line if he was swapped with someone).

If Brylin is washed up, why not call up Noah Clarke? He scored in his only game and has NHL experience. Anyone know if hes still injured?
Anyway, I think these lines are much better than what we got:

Brylin/Clarke-Zajac-Zubrus
Asham-Rupp-Clarkson

Anyone else agree? I really don't think 2 4th lines are working.

Its clear that right now no matter how much we are shuffling the lower 2 lines, we are still left with two 4th lines. This is why Zubrus and Zajac have to be paired together in my opinion. No matter how much they are struggling, they are still easily the 2 most skilled players on the lower lines, and they have to be put together to form a decent third line. As for the other winger on that line, the candidates would be:

Rupp - playing great but I really think we have problems if we are depending on him as a third liner. would be a very slow line, doesnt work in my eyes

Clarkson - Ive been really disappointed with his play lately, had Rupp wide open yesterday and chose to put his head down and try his toedrag which allowed a defender to catch up and block his shot. in theory he is a good third liner, but this line would also be too slow

Asham - has looked much better lately, could work on this line. I still prefer to have more of a skill guy, which is why i would pick:

Brylin - hes been knocked this year but he still has the skills in my eyes, he just hasnt been given a chance (i believe he got ~45 pts last yr). Brylin would add speed and creativity, while Zubrus would do the dirty work and Zajac would hopefully find his scoring touch. It would also allow us to have a true "banger" line for a 4th line with Rupp centering Clarkson and Asham (Brylin would be out of place on that line if he was swapped with someone).

If Brylin is washed up, why not call up Noah Clarke? He scored in his only game and has NHL experience. Anyone know if hes still injured?
Anyway, I think these lines are much better than what we got:

Brylin/Clarke-Zajac-Zubrus
Asham-Rupp-Clarkson

Anyone else agree? I really don't think 2 4th lines are working.

Well, its not like they're not working. When you look at the whole picture of all 4 lines, no one is working up their potential. Which is why we're still struggling to score goals.

I do feel we should call up Clarke & sit Zajac & Asham (who just seemed to be spinning their wheels the most out there as of late) and for a game or two, put in Pelley & Clarke & see what happens.

We're in the playoffs now & maybe a small shake up such as this would livin up the team & get the scoring back on track. There really is nothing to lose by doing so. Well, except a game. Nonetheless, they need to try something before next week's start of the playoffs.

I might also add that Weekes should play tonight.

I think Brylin is weak, gets tossed around too much

I won't knock Clarkson b/c i think his play changes with his linemates... I would still love to see Clarkson on scoring line, crashing the net and creating a goalie screen.. I wouldn't mind him with Parise and Elias..
*Parise-Elias-Clarkson*

I'd like to see Langenbrunner back with Maddolfo.. That would create a fantastic shutdown line with a kick of scoring.
*Pando-Madden-Langenbrunner*

I agree with you on Zajac.. He has skill but i think his confidence is at a real low right now.. Zubrus has been playing well lately but is stuck on a line that can't finish
*Zubrus-Zajac-Gio*

Not much to say about the 4th line.. Stay defensively responsible, backcheck hard and I would have no prob with them
*Brylin-Rupp-Asham*

Now this would all be a risk switching up the lines right now but we can't go into the playoffs with the lines we have now.. They simple don't generate enough chances

Noah is still on the mend following a dangerous injury that occurred when he took a puck in the cheek during a game a few weeks ago against the Monarchs in Lowell. Noah underwent reconstructive surgery to rebuild his cheek and orbital bone. His face still looks a bit swollen and sore.


http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Inside+Source%3A+Playing+the +game+comes+with+a+high+price&articleId=c8c77881-a0a5-4548-8c20-e53667f4d1a2


That was dated March 19th, if he has recovered he probably is still in no shape to play.

i have always liked the sound of:

parise-elias-gionta
zubrus-zajac-langenbrunner
pandolfo-madden-asham
brylin-rupp-clarkson

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Inside+Source%3A+Playing+the +game+comes+with+a+high+price&articleId=c8c77881-a0a5-4548-8c20-e53667f4d1a2


That was dated March 19th, if he has recovered he probably is still in no shape to play.

thanks for finding that.

I dont think we are changing our first 2 lines so thats why I think we need to just build a semi decent 3rd line by putting the three best remaining forwards on a line. I think talent wise Brylin, Zubrus, Zajac are the best but if Brylin really has lost a step maybe asham.

Parise-Elias-Langs
Pando-Madden-Gio
Brylin-Zajac-Zubrus
Asham-Rupp-Clarkson

i think that works...

I agree about Clarkson, not playing as well as he did earlier in the year and is becoming quite the puck hog and not in a good way either.

I know they won't sit Sarge, but here are my 3rd and 4th lines:

Rupp-Zajac-Zub
Brylin/Asham-Pelley-Clarkson

I truly believe Pelley deserves to be on the 4th line.

I agree completely. You need balanced scoring in the playoffs, and two fourth lines won't cut it. I understand that Zubrus and Zajac haven't exactly been great together, but they haven't exactly been great when surrounded by a bunch of 4th line talent either.

Tonight's game is proving that our 4th line is our best line! ;)

This team continues to baffle me. But as long as they win... :yo:

Tonight's game is proving that our 4th line is our best line! ;)

This team continues to baffle me. But as long as they win... :yo:

Might sound crazy but i think this might be the best time to break up that hot line.. All of them are on a confidence high and playing very well.. Still can't trust them in the playoffs for our second scoring line