The Fourth Line...

What would your fourth line look like? Looking at the options it would seem that this years fourth line may be the best its been since '05, and may actually be worth putting on the ice from time to time.

Possible fourth line players:
Marchant
Carter
Sutherby
Parros
May
Green

Depending on the opponent I like the Carter-Marchant-Sutherby option best but I dont know how adept Carter is at playing the wing...despite that this fourth line combo may actually be one of the better ones league wise.

It's good that the 4th line will be better, because it looks like it will have to be. I think that the 4th line got so few minutes before because our other 3 lines were very good and needed the minutes. Especially considering that our 3rd line has been getting 1st line minutes. Now that our 2nd line looks like some kind of patched-up decrepit clunker, we'll probably need some good minutes out of the 4th to compensate.

I still want (and expect) Marchant to be shipped. So I'll exclude him from my 4th line of Suts-Carter-Parros/May.

We're actually a little low on RWers (or even right-handed shots). Ryan might even be put down there (and he probably will, for stints).

We've got too many guys. How in the world do Boguniecki/Green fit in? I'm thinking guys will be moved/waived after camp.

Really, the lines are a mess. It sounds like Kunitz-Getz-Perry is set for the 1st line (Burke has mentioned this). Who'll be on the 2nd line? There's Lindstrom/Carter/Ebbett/Ryan all fighting for the wings. Whoever doesn't make it there might be in the mix for the 4th line if they want to give the 4th line more ice time (and thus need point production). And then there's the 5 gazillion 4th liners we already have.

It's good that the 4th line will be better, because it looks like it will have to be. I think that the 4th line got so few minutes before because our other 3 lines were very good and needed the minutes. Especially considering that our 3rd line has been getting 1st line minutes. Now that our 2nd line looks like some kind of patched-up decrepit clunker, we'll probably need some good minutes out of the 4th to compensate.

I still want (and expect) Marchant to be shipped. So I'll exclude him from my 4th line of Suts-Carter-Parros/May.

We're actually a little low on RWers (or even right-handed shots). Ryan might even be put down there (and he probably will, for stints).

We've got too many guys. How in the world do Boguniecki/Green fit in? I'm thinking guys will be moved/waived after camp.

Really, the lines are a mess. It sounds like Kunitz-Getz-Perry is set for the 1st line (Burke has mentioned this). Who'll be on the 2nd line? There's Lindstrom/Carter/Ebbett/Ryan all fighting for the wings. Whoever doesn't make it there might be in the mix for the 4th line if they want to give the 4th line more ice time (and thus need point production). And then there's the 5 gazillion 4th liners we already have.

I think Kunitz is a lock to play with Teemu if and when he comes back...Selanne doesnt work well with guys who cant keep up (Weight), and I dont think Ryan upgraded his skating this offseason quite that much. I forgot all about Boguniecki and Lindstrom though I expect both of them in the AHL. I expect a lot of line juggling though based on how well/poorly Ryan plays...Kunitz will probably see time with Getzlaf's line at some point with Carter maybe playing the wing with Selanne at times.

I wouldn't so much call the lines a mess, because I think lines should be a bit of a mess before camp. I like the fact that there is going to be plenty of competition.

That said, things should calm down considerably once Selanne signs (like the confidence I'm showing?). I really see Ryan starting the year on the top line...

Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry
Kunitz-Morrison-Selanne

Now, people can say what they like about the lack of offense on the Ducks, but that's a pretty solid top-6. Three All-Stars, a Rookie of the Year candidate, and two solid two-way forwards.

We know what the third line will begin the season like, so that leaves a tooth-and-nail fight for the fourth line. And Static's right, it should be a pretty good solid line. I'm hoping Carter can carve out a nice role for himself, making somewhat regular contributions offensively while taking care of his own end. I think some of the increased offense the team is in such dire need for needs to come from the bottom 6, and I think that group's in pretty good position to do so.

Damnit, I had a much longer post totally eff up on me. Oh well.

As the roster stands now regardless of moves that need to be made: Carter Marchant Sutherby. All three are fast, can grind and win face-offs. They all can produce offensively (in theory with Suts). Only Suts can drop the gloves though he's terrible at it. I guess you can throw in Parros when needed.

If moves that we all assumed will be made than it'll look like: Sutherby Carter Parros/May. Also it'll be interesting to see what happens with Lindstrom. I highly doubt he agreed to sign a contract without some reassurence that he'll compete for a roster spot. But if Teemu comes back that'll make things awfully crowded.

Green and Boguniecki are Iowa bound unless we run into injuries during camp (knock on wood).

Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry
Kunitz-Morrison-Selanne

Now, people can say what they like about the lack of offense on the Ducks, but that's a pretty solid top-6. Three All-Stars, a Rookie of the Year candidate, and two solid two-way forwards.

That does look decent but still depends heavily on several things:

1) Selanne's return
2) Morrison has at least a minor resurgence
3) Ryan's not a bust
4) Getz & Perry build on their breakout seasons

We know what the third line will begin the season like, so that leaves a tooth-and-nail fight for the fourth line. And Static's right, it should be a pretty good solid line. I'm hoping Carter can carve out a nice role for himself, making somewhat regular contributions offensively while taking care of his own end. I think some of the increased offense the team is in such dire need for needs to come from the bottom 6, and I think that group's in pretty good position to do so.

I'm not really sure that's going to be enough to turn the offense around. The Pahlsson line is great and all, but I don't expect much increased offense from them; the '07 playoffs were likely an aberration for them offensively, and even strong 4th lines don't typically score all that much in the NHL.

I'll be happy if the 4th line can go back to being a physical forechecking line. And actually that goes for all our lines ... the forechecking was noticeably weaker last season than it was in the Cup year. Get back to pinning teams in their own zone for long stretches of the game, get quick strike capability back from the "speed line", and goal production will follow.

in my world

Ryan.Getz.Perry
Kunitz.Morrison.Teemu
Moen.Pahlsson.Niedermayer
Carter.Marchant. and a combo of Parros/May/Lindstrom

Lindstrom would be in for an extra talent boost, Parros vs tough teams.

That does look decent but still depends heavily on several things:

1) Selanne's return
2) Morrison has at least a minor resurgence
3) Ryan's not a bust
4) Getz & Perry build on their breakout seasons



I'm not really sure that's going to be enough to turn the offense around. The Pahlsson line is great and all, but I don't expect much increased offense from them; the '07 playoffs were likely an aberration for them offensively, and even strong 4th lines don't typically score all that much in the NHL.
Shutdown line had a down year last year because of injuries, I expect them to provide more offense, Ryan should fit in well with the twins, and Teemu should be back after the cap situation is fixed.

If No Selanne Worst Case
Carter-Marchant-May/Parros

If Selanne Next Best
Carter-Marchant- Lindstrom/May/Parros

If Selanne and no Marchant Best
May/Parros-Carter-Lindstrom

If No Selanne Worst Case
Carter-Marchant-May/Parros

If Selanne Next Best
Carter-Marchant- Lindstrom/May/Parros

If Selanne and no Marchant Best
May/Parros-Carter-Lindstrom

Where would Sutherby play?

If Marchant was traded and Selanne returned:

Ryan - Getzlaf - Perry
Kunitz - Morrison - Selanne
Moen - Pahlsson - R. Niedermayer
May - Carter - Sutherby

If Marchant was traded and Selanne retired:

Kunitz - Getzlaf - Perry
Lindstrom - Morrison - Ryan
Moen - Pahlsson - R. Niedermayer
May - Carter - Sutherby

I could see Carter on Lindstroms spot, making Sutherby the 4th line center and Parros the 4th line RW. But I think Carter is better suited playing center than wing. We could also bring in a 2nd line LW in a trade or a UFA like Gelinas or Sanderson, although I'd rather give Lindstrom a chance. I don't see Ebbett making the roster in the season opener.

That does look decent but still depends heavily on several things:

1) Selanne's return
2) Morrison has at least a minor resurgence
3) Ryan's not a bust
4) Getz & Perry build on their breakout seasons



1) I'm assuming that if he doesn't return, the Ducks make a move to acquire another 2nd line winger. If they don't, I don't see a whole lot of hope for the season.

2) He was on pace for about 20 goals and 50 points last season, which has been his norm. That's fine. I don't view him as much more than a secondary contributor, and a facilitator for Selanne. As long as he doesn't keep Selanne from being a threat, and I don't think he will, he's fine.

3) He is the wild-card in the whole deal. I really don't see him busting, but it may not be the impact year we're counting on him for. If that's the case, they'll have to hope that Lindstrom, Carter, or someone else can jump into the role.

4) Certainly, if Getzlaf and Perry don't perform up to expectation, the Ducks are screwed. But, that can likely be said about any team's top two forwards.

I'm not really sure that's going to be enough to turn the offense around. The Pahlsson line is great and all, but I don't expect much increased offense from them; the '07 playoffs were likely an aberration for them offensively, and even strong 4th lines don't typically score all that much in the NHL.

I'll be happy if the 4th line can go back to being a physical forechecking line. And actually that goes for all our lines ... the forechecking was noticeably weaker last season than it was in the Cup year. Get back to pinning teams in their own zone for long stretches of the game, get quick strike capability back from the "speed line", and goal production will follow.

Definitely, the 4th line isn't going to turn the offense around. I'm counting on a whole season of Selanne, slight improvements from Getzlaf and Perry, and solid contributions from Kunitz and Ryan for that. However, we're looking at a 50-goal difference from last season to the Cup-year. I'm hoping the bottom six (all 20 of them) can contribute 10-15 more goals than they did last season. I'm not sure if that's realistic.

You're absolutely right about the forecheck, and actually, an improved forecheck will help facilitate increased offense from the checking lines. Last season they played like their responsibilities ended at the opposition's blue line. More tempo, physicality, and a stronger forecheck will create turnovers for them, and chances that even Brad May couldn't wiff on.

As someone metioned, the Ducks 3rd line players play 1st line minutes. I think there lies a problem. Despite their defensive prowess and forechecking, that line has trouble generating any offense. If that line is going to play a ton of minutes, they need to score.

I suggest a change.....No offense to Moen, but i think Moen should go to the 4th line - where he belongs. I think Carter, Sutherby can fill his spot and do better. Both Carter and Sutherby play a soild 2-way game so the defensive shutdown line is still intact. Also, both players are faster and they can generate more offense. In all, a change in the ducks 3rd line may be necessary if that line is going to continue playing lots of minutes. Why be a defensive shutdown line if it can be more with the addition of Carter or Sutherby?

1) I'm assuming that if he doesn't return, the Ducks make a move to acquire another 2nd line winger. If they don't, I don't see a whole lot of hope for the season.
The problem with that is I'm not sure we have the money for another winger. Teemu will probably sign for less than market here, but if we need to go shopping, it won't be easy to acquire a 2nd line guy making less than market $.

You're absolutely right about the forecheck, and actually, an improved forecheck will help facilitate increased offense from the checking lines. Last season they played like their responsibilities ended at the opposition's blue line. More tempo, physicality, and a stronger forecheck will create turnovers for them, and chances that even Brad May couldn't wiff on.
I'm totally with you and mmbt on the forecheck. I don't even care if they "score more" so much as they need to spend more time cycling in the other zone.

The bold part gets strong props. That's why I called for a shaking up of the checking line last season. They're still doing a great job of preventing offense, but they're doing it in a harder way now. 2 seasons ago they were also very good at hemming the other teams' top forwards in the OTHER zone. Last season they pretty much just dumped it in the second they cross the red line, and retreat for the next wave. It seems to me this strategy is more tiring, which may also explain the poorer penalty killing.

I almost want the checking line shifted around a little, moving some of those guys to scoring lines or something (just for a little bit) just to get a tiny bit of offensive-mentality back into their heads. I mean, guys like Pahlsson and Moen have some decent puck skills, they just never look to create offense any more. But maybe just some words from the coach and a training camp will help.

I almost want the checking line shifted around a little, moving some of those guys to scoring lines or something (just for a little bit) just to get a tiny bit of offensive-mentality back into their heads. I mean, guys like Pahlsson and Moen have some decent puck skills, they just never look to create offense any more. But maybe just some words from the coach and a training camp will help.

You know what I think was a big problem with that line producing last year and all lines for that matter was the absence of Scotty and Pronger being a notch below. When those two guys are on they keep the puck in the opponents zone quite a bit. The Pahlsson line is really effective when they wear down in the offensive zone and capitalize on shots from the point. Are team really goes as those two go. With a healthy and energized Pronger and Niedermayer, offense from the bottom-6 should be way better.

You know what I think was a big problem with that line producing last year and all lines for that matter was the absence of Scotty and Pronger being a notch below. When those two guys are on they keep the puck in the opponents zone quite a bit. The Pahlsson line is really effective when they wear down in the offensive zone and capitalize on shots from the point. Are team really goes as those two go. With a healthy and energized Pronger and Niedermayer, offense from the bottom-6 should be way better.
The big 2 certainly didn't help, but I saw more of a reluctance to even try to produce offense. Yes the Pahlsson line is effective when they control play in the O zone and get shots from the point.

But the problem that mmbt, ken, and I are talking about is that none of the lines were a) getting a successful forecheck or b) even really trying on that 1/3 of the ice. A is partly due to the big defensemen not helping as much, but B is all on the forwards.

The big 2 certainly didn't help, but I saw more of a reluctance to even try to produce offense. Yes the Pahlsson line is effective when they control play in the O zone and get shots from the point.

But the problem that mmbt, ken, and I are talking about is that none of the lines were a) getting a successful forecheck or b) even really trying on that 1/3 of the ice. A is partly due to the big defensemen not helping as much, but B is all on the forwards.

I hear what you're saying. But watching the games last year it was very obvious to me that the transition game was lacking. Now one can argue that the D wasn't executing right or the forwards weren't working hard enough or both. It's probably really a combo of both which I think should be improved with the longer summer. I mean, Sammy wasn't 100% all year and Robbie and Moen weren't real sharp either.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that the effort put forth last season was an aberration and we should see a similar effort out of the Pahlsson line that we saw in 06-07. I think we should at least give that group the opportunity to get back on track before fiddling with the line.

Where would Sutherby play?

I most have picture him gone in my head.
Well Sutherby-Carter-Lindstrom Would be ideal.
Parros/May causes problems. Besides Lindstrom who can be sent down? Is Lindstrom even signed? Or sent down?

I most have picture him gone in my head.
Well Sutherby-Carter-Lindstrom Would be ideal.
Parros/May causes problems. Besides Lindstrom who can be sent down? Is Lindstrom even signed? Or sent down?

Bob Murray was quoted saying he's been signed, I believe. All accounts suggested that Lindstrom wasn't willing to fight his way out of the minors in Columbus so we can assume that's not in his game plan. But then again, there's definitely no spot waiting for him. But I imagine that he's been given some kind of assurance that he has a good chance at a roster spot otherwise he would have bolted for Sweden by now.

I most have picture him gone in my head.
Well Sutherby-Carter-Lindstrom Would be ideal.
Parros/May causes problems. Besides Lindstrom who can be sent down? Is Lindstrom even signed? Or sent down?
That's an interesting question. The day they traded for him, Murray said that they agreed to a 1 year contract http://www.ocregister.com/articles/ducks-macmillan-season-2094800-lindstrom-games "A restricted free agent, the 6-foot, 187-pound Lindstrom has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Ducks, Murray said."

But there never was an announcement of a signing, and nhlscap doesn't list him as being signed. So maybe he didn't actually sign it yet?
http://hfboards.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=15155450
I think Lindstrom signed at the age of 20. Meaning that he becomes waiver eligible at the end of his 3rd season. He's played 3 or 4 seasons (I'm not sure if 04-05 counts if it's the first season... I think it only counts if a player played in 03-04). Either way, he's waiver eligible. So we can send him down, but risk losing him to waivers. If he's not signed to a 2-way contract, we would have to worry about re-entry waivers.

edit: actually I think if he's subject to waivers, he's also subject to re-entry waivers, 2-way contract or not.

The way I evaluate the poor performance last year which may not be present this year is:

1. No Stanley Cup hangover
2. No trip to Europe and then 5 away games
3. Sammy's injury at the beginning of the season was a key factor. The PK was terrible and the team seemed very tentative until Sammy returned. After his return the PK was still playing tentatively and we were being killed whenever someone was in the penalty box.
4. Scotty did not start the season
5. Teemu was absent a good part of the year
6. After the team started on a roll, Perry got hurt-no offense.
7. I believe (can't recall exactly) that Marchant got injured towards the end of the season.
8. The trade with St. Louis letting Andy go to free up cap space to sign Teemu.
9. The lack of speed on lines 1 and 2.
10. The expeiment with Todd Bertuzzi proved to be a disaster.
11. Ryan Carter's wrist injury. His speed on the second line opened up the offense until Perry's injury. He was really starting to shine and then he was gone.

If we can avoid injuries we should be OK with Teemu coming back. We will have two solid lines and our shut down and energy lines should be OK. We will still have Jiggy and Hiller in the net and a solid defense. Lack of injuries, I believe, is the key to our success this year.

4) Certainly, if Getzlaf and Perry don't perform up to expectation, the Ducks are screwed. But, that can likely be said about any team's top two forwards.

Perhaps, but we're more vulnerable than most because I don't think we have a lot of guys who can reasonably be expected to pick up the slack and keep us afloat until our key guys get going. If Getz and Perry have bad years, I expect a lot of 1 and 0 goal nights.

Definitely, the 4th line isn't going to turn the offense around. I'm counting on a whole season of Selanne, slight improvements from Getzlaf and Perry, and solid contributions from Kunitz and Ryan for that. However, we're looking at a 50-goal difference from last season to the Cup-year. I'm hoping the bottom six (all 20 of them) can contribute 10-15 more goals than they did last season. I'm not sure if that's realistic.

That's a lot of extra goals to expect from guys who play few minutes when you subtract out PK time. The only way it happens is if Pahlsson is healthy and gets back to the way he played the prior two years as opposed to last year ... for whatever reason he reverted to his old way of playing, where he basically stopped trying to score. The Pahlsson that came back from the Olympics was much more confident and assertive with the puck, and not afraid to actually attack when the opportunity arose. If he gets back to that, and brings Moen along, we could probably get 10 extra from those two (Nieds is pretty much done offensively these days). That still leaves 40 goals to make up.

More tempo, physicality, and a stronger forecheck will create turnovers for them, and chances that even Brad May couldn't wiff on.

I don't think a chance has ever existed that May couldn't find a way to push wide or right into the goalie. It's been 15 years, but I still can't quite believe he was the guy that scored the "May Day" goal.

ZfrvcxjA07Q

Perhaps, but we're more vulnerable than most because I don't think we have a lot of guys who can reasonably be expected to pick up the slack and keep us afloat until our key guys get going. If Getz and Perry have bad years, I expect a lot of 1 and 0 goal nights.


Thats a very good point.


That's a lot of extra goals to expect from guys who play few minutes when you subtract out PK time. The only way it happens is if Pahlsson is healthy and gets back to the way he played the prior two years as opposed to last year ... for whatever reason he reverted to his old way of playing, where he basically stopped trying to score. The Pahlsson that came back from the Olympics was much more confident and assertive with the puck, and not afraid to actually attack when the opportunity arose. If he gets back to that, and brings Moen along, we could probably get 10 extra from those two (Nieds is pretty much done offensively these days). That still leaves 40 goals to make up.

If the third line can pot 10 more goals, the fourth find a way to squeeze out 5 more, then that'd be fine by me. I have no problem counting on a Selanne-anchored second line, and a rejuvenated Pronger-Niedermayer-led blue line to at least get us close.

I don't think a chance has ever existed that May couldn't find a way to push wide or right into the goalie. It's been 15 years, but I still can't quite believe he was the guy that scored the "May Day" goal.

Another good point.

I don't think a chance has ever existed that May couldn't find a way to push wide or right into the goalie. It's been 15 years, but I still can't quite believe he was the guy that scored the "May Day" goal.

ZfrvcxjA07Q
Exhibit 1 to all the people who claim goalies these days are all pads and no skill.

May/Carter-Sutherby-Parros

Do you guys expect Carter to become a 2nd line player? I read some and he was the second line, others (most others) on the 4th. He was playing well until his injury. If you were able to get a 2nd rounder for him....do you take it with Lindstrom there?

No.

1. The Ducks are not in a position depth-wise to be trading potential top-6 talent away right now, even shaky ones like Carter.

2. The Ducks are not rebuilding right now, any players-for-picks deal would be for salary cap space and not moving young, cheap players.

3. Lindstrom seems at best only even with Carter in terms of potential, that being on the low end.

4. 2nd round draft picks once said terrible things about and made rude gestures towards Burke's wife and children, and also burned Chris Pronger's furniture, and so he (Burke) goes out of his way to get rid of them.

2nd round is probably around the right value for Carter, but the Ducks are focused on winning now. Carter helps more now than a pick. With our cap problems, we also need his value. And he was just re-signed, making a trade unlikely.

And Lindstrom was a bargain risky home-run swing, considering we paid at most a 4th for him. Chances are he won't succeed. Given the odds, Lindstrom definitely is not going to be pushing anybody out. Carter probably has a bigger chance to make it as a 2nd liner than Lindstrom, even if I wonder if he can do it this year.

Burke is waiting for selanne to make his decision before trading Schneider or Marchant. If Selanne agrees to play,we drop the salary for picks or prospects. If selanne doesnt want to play,we trade for a top six winger that can produce. That is the thing, Lindstrom will not be playing top six,we will have somebody else i assure you

Burke is waiting for selanne to make his decision before trading Schneider or Marchant. If Selanne agrees to play,we drop the salary for picks or prospects. If selanne doesnt want to play,we trade for a top six winger that can produce. That is the thing, Lindstrom will not be playing top six,we will have somebody else i assure you

I don't think that's the case at all. No one is going to give us a top-6 forward for Schneider, I ust highly, highly doubt that. Burke isn't in a position of strength. We're over the cap and he has the take the best that is offered and it'll be picks and/or prospects. I was confused why this is taking so long but Dan Wood's blog made a lot sense. Once Sundin decides what he's doing Schneider will be trade shortly after. Teemu hasn't decided what he's doing yet and evidently the hold up is this business with the player's union settling some CBA stuff that'll get us to sign Teemu with a bonus-laden contract. So neither player really effects the other at this point.

As for Lindstrom. If Teemu does come back I've got to imagine he'll get some fourth line duty at least to start. We get squat offensively from our fourth line and maybe injecting him in there can turn that around. I mean Suts, May and Parros combined for 4 goals. We had the odd call-up/recently traded player chip in a goal here and there but not one consistent offensive presence all year. If Carter is stuck on the fourth line I imagine he can help there too. I just don't know how effective our tough and aggressive fourth line is anymore. If our other lines are scoring plenty then I'm fine with seeing May and Parros get a lot of shifts but if we struggle again I want to see guys down there that can score.

I don't think that's the case at all. No one is going to give us a top-6 forward for Schneider, I ust highly, highly doubt that. Burke isn't in a position of strength. We're over the cap and he has the take the best that is offered and it'll be picks and/or prospects. I was confused why this is taking so long but Dan Wood's blog made a lot sense. Once Sundin decides what he's doing Schneider will be trade shortly after. Teemu hasn't decided what he's doing yet and evidently the hold up is this business with the player's union settling some CBA stuff that'll get us to sign Teemu with a bonus-laden contract. So neither player really effects the other at this point.

As for Lindstrom. If Teemu does come back I've got to imagine he'll get some fourth line duty at least to start. We get squat offensively from our fourth line and maybe injecting him in there can turn that around. I mean Suts, May and Parros combined for 4 goals. We had the odd call-up/recently traded player chip in a goal here and there but not one consistent offensive presence all year. If Carter is stuck on the fourth line I imagine he can help there too. I just don't know how effective our tough and aggressive fourth line is anymore. If our other lines are scoring plenty then I'm fine with seeing May and Parros get a lot of shifts but if we struggle again I want to see guys down there that can score.
Woods' blog seems to indicate that Teemu is waiting for us to clear cap space so that it's even possible to sign him, not that he's expecting the NHLPA to decline their option so that the bonus cushion is re-established. So then Schneider's situation would be holding up Selanne. Or are you getting this from somewhere else?

About Lindstrom, when he was signed Murray made a comment that seems to rule out any "offensing up" of the 4th line. Of course it's really up to Carlyle, but this quote indicates that management is operating under the assumption that Carlyle will not be changing the role of the 4th line. I would hope that management has been making moves while knowing Carlyle's current game plan.
On Lindstrom getting a chance among the top six forwards,
I think so. I think that’s his role. That’s what I look at him as. Maybe when Randy (Carlyle) gets him he’ll find another spot for him. I think he’s a top six type of guy. I don’t see him as a checker or an energy guy. I think he’s a skilled player. That’s really where I’m thinking he’ll get the chance with us anyway.

Woods' blog seems to indicate that Teemu is waiting for us to clear cap space so that it's even possible to sign him, not that he's expecting the NHLPA to decline their option so that the bonus cushion is re-established. So then Schneider's situation would be holding up Selanne. Or are you getting this from somewhere else?

About Lindstrom, when he was signed Murray made a comment that seems to rule out any "offensing up" of the 4th line. Of course it's really up to Carlyle, but this quote indicates that management is operating under the assumption that Carlyle will not be changing the role of the 4th line. I would hope that management has been making moves while knowing Carlyle's current game plan.

Well even once Schneider is traded there's barely any room for Teemu. But yeah, Schneid's needs to be first regardless but what will hold up Teemu getting signed is the whole business with the NHLPA and the bonus stuff. Unless Teemu decides to sign for a 1 mil contract.

But if Teemu comes back, Lindstrom is behind Ryan on the depth chart so he has to fit somewhere. There's no way he goes from barely being in the top-6 to not being on the roster at all. Murray may have high hopes for him but like you said it's up to Carlyle.

Carter/Marchant/Sutherby as a 4th line?
Is Guy Charron going to coach again and we could go back to being the leagues b itches :yo:

Carter/Marchant/Sutherby as a 4th line?
Is Guy Charron going to coach again and we could go back to being the leagues b itches :yo:
Devil's advocate:

Carter (1.18), Sutherby (1.34), and Marchant (1.09) all average more hits per game than May (.64). Of course it's not just numbers of hits, but still.

Sutherby's hits aren't particularly good though, he tends to fall down as much as the guy being hit. But he hits and fights if need be, even if he mostly loses. But Carter's actually decently physical, I think you underrate him. I think he could, at worst, be a more physical guy who's got good defense and faceoffs, and can replace Marchant.

I think May's just about done as a player, he wasn't particularly effective this season. Not even in short spurts like in 06-07. I wouldn't mind shipping him to clear up some space.

We do need to work Parros in though. Or maybe replace him with a better enforcer.

May/Carter-Sutherby-Parros

In no way do we sit Carter before Parros or Sutherby... Unless he sucks it up. It should be line this:

Sutherby/Lindstrom-Carter-Parros/May