The official "what do we do with Rolston when he comes back" thread

I've seen this "problem" alluded to in several posts, so I figure let's get it out in the open.

I think Sutter will have to attack the problem from one of two plausible scenarios. Either our scoring lines will still be scoring and thus should be left alone, or we are in another scoring funk, and the lines need to be shaken up anyway, in which case Sutter should basically start with a clean sheet.

Scenario 1 (leaving the existing top two lines in tact):

Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Clarkson-Madden-Rolston
Pandolfo-Holik-Rupp/Vrana

The third line is a hybrid scoring and defensive line, in fact, it really shouldn't even be considered a third line. IMO, it's ideal to put out there to start a period or after the Devils have been penned up in their end for a while.

Scenario 2 (if a shakeup is required):

Parise-Elias-Zubrus (Zubrus in the old Arnott role)
Rolston-Zajac-Gionta (Two shooters and a passer)
Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner (Old School)
Clarkson-Holik-Rupp/Vrana

Either way, Rolston will add some punch :fight:

This is a great "problem" to have.

I'd do this (as many have already written)

Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Rolston
Pandolfo - Madden - Langs
Rupp - Holik - Clarkson

break his other leg.

Scenario three.

Parise-Zajac-Rolston
Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

Rolston is responsible defensively so it is a no brainer to drop Langs down to Madden's line and let Rolston play with ZZ. Since it is so obvious it probably won't happen :).

Send Pandolfo packing.

Send Pandolfo packing.

him and white need to get stuck on island somewhere far away.

him and white need to get stuck on island somewhere far away.

White + Pandolfo to NYI
1st Round Pick to NJD

Gives the Islanders some overpriced veterans and gets the Devils a solid draft pick. Pretty even IMO.

langenbrunner doesnt belong on the same line with trav trav and parise. id love to see rolston work his way onto their line as pattys line has been solid and no reason to mess up that mojo. let langs and clarkson fight it out for the 3rd line and leave the goal scorers where they belong.

White + Pandolfo to NYI
1st Round Pick to NJD

Gives the Islanders some overpriced veterans and gets the Devils a solid draft pick. Pretty even IMO.

:sarcasm:

:sarcasm:

No. I'm being totally serious. I think we should trade a one-eyed, overpaid defenseman and a declining third line checking wing for a potential top five pick. I'm not sure the Islanders would accept though.


Oh and I'll add this little thing:sarcasm:

I would like to see one of the two following possibilities:

Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Rolston - Madden - Clarkson
Pandolfo - Holik - Rupp

Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Rolston
Pandolfo - Madden - Langenbrunner
Rupp - Holik - Clarkson

As it stands, I think I'd rather see #1 first and figure out if that third line would be effective.

what the hell... you put him back on the first line where he belongs.

next thread

what the hell... you put him back on the first line where he belongs.

next thread

What do you mean by first line?

Scenario three.

Parise-Zajac-Rolston
Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

I Like this one the most so far. i think sutter should try Rolston instead of Langs on the parise line. Langs just hasn't been getting the job done and is slowing down both parise and zajac.

This is a great "problem" to have.

I'd do this (as many have already written)

Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Rolston
Pandolfo - Madden - Langs
Rupp - Holik - Clarkson

i said this a while ago, i doubt it will happen....atleast jot right away

What do you mean by first line?

which period of what game?

in other words which ever combination is up - elias - rolston - gionta was the line prior to the injury...

cue bingo ball cage

i said this a while ago, i doubt it will happen....atleast jot right away
It also depends on how well the first and second lines continue to play (obviously). Maybe Roltson would simply replace Zubrus on the first line and Zubrus would be sent to the fourth (like the beginning of the year).

what the hell... you put him back on the first line where he belongs.

next thread

This is too difficult of a topic to look at right now

We don't even know how soon we'll be getting him back, if Zubrus continues this push, any more *blanks*

Too many variables at the moment..

If the big line stays hot and we don't face any problems, bump Langs with Madden.. Zajac and Parise have been carrying that line for the most part

It also depends on how well the first and second lines continue to play (obviously). Maybe Roltson would simply replace Zubrus on the first line and Zubrus would be sent to the fourth (like the beginning of the year).

i wouldnt want that. if sutter doesnt want to touch the top 6 because they are doing well, then just put rolston on the 3rd line with madden and pando.

here are some alternatives

elias-zubrus-rolston
parise-zajac-gionta
pando-madden-langenbrunner
rupp-holik-clarkson

elias-rolston-gionta
parise-zajac-langenbrunner
pando-maddog-zubrus
rupp-holik-clarkson

i wouldnt want that. if sutter doesnt want to touch the top 6 because they are doing well, then just put rolston on the 3rd line with madden and pando.


I simply meant that anything can happen. I'd love to keep Zubrus up on the first line if he keeps producing. We'll just have to wait and see. At least we know we'll be better when he comes back!

This was in TG's blog
Sutter said after the game he would keep Zubrus at center even after Brian Rolston returns from his high right ankle sprain. Rolston had been shifted to right wing before he was injured in Atlanta on Oct. 16. He might be going back to right wing when he gets healthy.

This was in TG's blog

**** yeah

Party?

Pandolfo and Madden aren't getting split up guys. Remember the world almost blew up when we tried that last year.

Party?

:laugh: great response.

Party?

A pants party?

:laugh: great response.

Yo, I can't ****ing wait til Rolston is back.

Brent Sutter after a night out on the town....

Elias - Rupp - Brookbank
Clarkson - Viuhkola - Parise
Madden - Pandolfo - Langenbrunner
Salvador - Martin - Salmela

Zajac - Zubrus
White - Mottau
Corrente - Leach

Albelin
Weekes


In all seriousness, this is how I think it will be....

Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Rolston
Pandolfo - Madden - Langenbrunner
Rupp - Holik - Clarkson

Salvador - Martin
White - Oduya
Mottau - Salmela

Clemmensen
Weekes

This is a great "problem" to have.

I'd do this (as many have already written)

Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Rolston
Pandolfo - Madden - Langs
Rupp - Holik - Clarkson

Scenario three.

Parise-Zajac-Rolston
Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson



Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Rolston
Pandolfo - Madden - Langenbrunner
Rupp - Holik - Clarkson





In all seriousness, this is how I think it will be....

Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Rolston
Pandolfo - Madden - Langenbrunner
Rupp - Holik - Clarkson

Salvador - Martin
White - Oduya
Mottau - Salmela

Clemmensen
Weekes

In all seriousness, might have seen that forward line-up before.:sarcasm:

But agree with all of it, BTW.

My calculus for how to best arrange our roster, when healthy (albeit minus Brodeur:(), would be precisely as you have it above, especially the forwards (as many see it). But with a possible alternative in the defensive pairings, namely having Andy Greene in place of Anssi Salmela on the third pairing.

(Although Salmela is making a strong case for himself, he is still a rookie on a two-way contract...)

Brent Sutter after a night out on the town....

Elias - Rupp - Brookbank
Clarkson - Viuhkola - Parise
Madden - Pandolfo - Langenbrunner
Salvador - Martin - Salmela

Zajac - Zubrus
White - Mottau
Corrente - Leach

Albelin
Weekes



i like this one the best.

seriously
watch the **** out detroit

I'm seriously going to be so happy when he comes back. I'm enjoying this run we've been on. While it's not going to last forever, and I think we'll be fighting tooth and nail soon enough, it has shown that we can score with our top-tier players.

That said, you could essentially keep those top-two lines the same. Why fix something that isn't broken?

I kind of curious to see Rolston playing on the third line with Pando and Madden. He adds a whole bunch of offense, while keeping the defensive mentality. The only problem with that... it might minimize Rolston's creativity.

HOLY **** I forgot Holik is coming back soon!

Rolston - Madden - Clarkbar
Pandolfo - Holik - Rupp

Just another option.

Scenario three.

Parise-Zajac-Rolston
Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson



this is my choice as well, since we all know Pando and Madden wont be split up

This is too difficult of a topic to look at right now

We don't even know how soon we'll be getting him back, if Zubrus continues this push, any more *blanks*

Too many variables at the moment..

If the big line stays hot and we don't face any problems, bump Langs with Madden.. Zajac and Parise have been carrying that line for the most part

Yep, too many if, ands, and buts, and yes, these kids got GUTS. I like how that line of Pandolfo-Rupp-Clarkson played last night, but it seems almost impossible to keep together when Holik comes back.

I'm seriously going to be so happy when he comes back. I'm enjoying this run we've been on. While it's not going to last forever, and I think we'll be fighting tooth and nail soon enough, it has shown that we can score with our top-tier players.

That said, you could essentially keep those top-two lines the same. Why fix something that isn't broken?

I kind of curious to see Rolston playing on the third line with Pando and Madden. He adds a whole bunch of offense, while keeping the defensive mentality. The only problem with that... it might minimize Rolston's creativity.

HOLY **** I forgot Holik is coming back soon!

Thats what I'm talking about. We are completely stacked at the forward position, and right now, all the forwards are clicking and playing up to their potential. I'm thinking we see this lineup when both return:

Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Pandolfo-Madden-Rolston
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

At the same time, the variables are too great at this point. :dunno:

Trade him.

id like to see one of the following:

elias-zubrus-rolston
parise-zajac-gionta
pandolfo-madden-langenbrunner
rupp-holik-clarkson

or

elias-zubrus-gionta
parise-zajac-rolston
pandolfo-madden-langenbrunner
rupp-holik-clarkson

Brent Sutter after a night out on the town....

Elias - Rupp - Brookbank
Clarkson - Viuhkola - Parise
Madden - Pandolfo - Langenbrunner
Salvador - Martin - Salmela

Zajac - Zubrus
White - Mottau
Corrente - Leach

Albelin
Weekes



http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/1/10/250px-Ejectionseat.jpg

This is a great "problem" to have.

I'd do this (as many have already written)

Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Rolston
Pandolfo - Madden - Langs
Rupp - Holik - Clarkson

ace.

I think Sutter plans on playing Rolston on the RW, so I bet which ever line is having problems will be the one with Rolston on it.

Since Elias, Zubrus and Gionta are hot right now, I don't think that line will change.

You guys have said that Langenbrunner is slowing down Parise and Zajac. If thats true we may see Rolston there. But the line we had the most problems with the last set of games before Madden was injured has been Madden's line so most likely we'll see Rolston there.

You might see Rolston with Madden for a game or two at most - Sutter is not going to use Brian in a defensive role. That would be an epic mis-use of offensive skill.

You guys have said that Langenbrunner is slowing down Parise and Zajac. If thats true we may see Rolston there. But the line we had the most problems with the last set of games before Madden was injured has been Madden's line so most likely we'll see Rolston there.

I know this may sound stupid, but if Sutter puts Roslton on Madden's line, I'd like to see Pandolfo drop on to our 4th line and let Clarkson play with Madden and Rolston. He'd be the "grinder" of that line and would be good getting the puck out of the corners cause Pandolfo isn't gonna do it.

You might see Rolston with Madden for a game or two at most - Sutter is not going to use Brian in a defensive role. That would be an epic mis-use of offensive skill.

I think you're right... I say Langenbrunner will get bumped to the 3rd. It's not like he's the glue to the ZZ line anyways.

Per TG:

Sutter said after the game he would keep Zubrus at center even after Brian Rolston returns from his high right ankle sprain. Rolston had been shifted to right wing before he was injured in Atlanta on Oct. 16. He might be going back to right wing when he gets healthy.

Looks like Sutter has already decided not to break up this line. Rolston will probably start with Madden and Pandolfo, before he gets moved up to play with Parise and Zajac after a couple of games.

EDIT: Just saw that it was already posted. My bad. I guess that's what happens when there's such a huge difference in time and not bothering to read the first page of the thread. :)

post fail

Per TG:



Looks like Sutter has already decided not to break up this line. Rolston will probably start with Madden and Pandolfo, before he gets moved up to play with Parise and Zajac after a couple of games.

i think he will be eased back into regular minutes, meaning i think he will get pp time and split time with clarkson (during the game) with pando and madden. after a few games, if all goes well, he needs to be put in a top 6 scoring role. rolston is a better, faster version of langs

Per TG:



Looks like Sutter has already decided not to break up this line. Rolston will probably start with Madden and Pandolfo, before he gets moved up to play with Parise and Zajac after a couple of games.

EDIT: Just saw that it was already posted. My bad. I guess that's what happens when there's such a huge difference in time and not bothering to read the first page of the thread. :)

I thought that was a bit premature. I mean, what happens when that line becomes invisible again.

Scenario three.

Parise-Zajac-Rolston
Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Pando-Madden-Langenbrunner
Rupp-Holik-Clarkson

This.

Rolston >>> Langenbrunner

This.

Rolston >>> Langenbrunner

did you get an email back yet??

did you get an email back yet??

Nah, I'm sure that snake in the grass deleted it as soon as he saw the subject was "Elias".

This.

Rolston >>> Langenbrunner

Rolston is everything i want Langenbrunner to be.

Nah, I'm sure that snake in the grass deleted it as soon as he saw the subject was "Elias".

hahaha

Rolston Parise Zajac
Langenbrunner Madden Pando
Elias Zubrus Gionta
Rupp Holik Clarkson

take our leading scorers out of their positions and flip flop lagnenbrunner and pandolfo to their off wings? :help:

Zajac on the wing of Parise? Pando and Langs suddenly switched wings?

:help:

Rolston Parise Zajac
Langenbrunner Madden Pando
Elias Zubrus Gionta
Rupp Holik Clarkson

brent, is that you?

Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Langenbrunner
Rolston - Madden - Clarkson
Pandolfo - Holik - Rupp

As it stands, I think I'd rather see #1 first and figure out if that third line would be effective.

I think I would prefer this line up as well ... three lines that could potentially score while still being able to play defensive hockey fairly well and a fourth line that can be relied on to not suck defensively even if they will never score.

The only thing that might be more interesting is if Sutter would trust Vrana on the third line and move Clarkson down to the fourth with Rupp as a reserve. Even if they only do it every other game, switching between Vrana and Rupp being the reserve and between your line up and mine depending on who was playing.

This is a great "problem" to have.

I'd do this (as many have already written)

Elias - Zubrus - Gionta
Parise - Zajac - Rolston
Pandolfo - Madden - Langs
Rupp - Holik - Clarkson

Was thinking about this as well today after reading the other thread and I'm thinking same deal. I don't see a problem with depth after all of those injuries, and let's face it: against good opponents or bad, this team is going to need to score goals to win games. No offense to Clemmer/Weeksie who have both taken this on with just the right attitude.

Soooo... who needs a "4th" line?! Or at least, who needs one that consists of Brookbank-Rupp-Vrana? What I'm getting at is the 4th line on this team, if it is to succeed, shouldn't be a demotion. And if it is, it could be set up with a good spot for Sutter to use as his lineup "doghouse" if you will:

Elias-Zubrus-Gio
Parise-Zajac-Langs/Rolston
Pando-Madden-Langs/Rolston
Rupp*-Holik-Clarkson

* = that "doghouse" spot for Sutter; not saying Rupp deserves to be in the doghouse but replacing anyone's regular spot in the lineup with Rupper would immediately send a message

Try Rolston on the "checking" line (which suddenly WILL score goals if it clicks) and if it ain't working, keep the guys with something to prove (Langs/Pando) with the Maddog and watch line "2" start putting up crazy goals like line "1" should be. That's it, boys and girls, 4 lines that should be able to score at any time in their own way. Book it! (insert Yankees guy voice): "Game Over! Devils win! The-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e... Devils... WIIINN!"

People in this thread are way overcomplicating things.


The correct answer is that every line combination mentioned in this thread will be attempted by Sutter in Rolston's first game back.

People in this thread are way overcomplicating things.


The correct answer is that every line combination mentioned in this thread will be attempted by Sutter in Rolston's first game back.

:laugh: just trying to subtly hint (cue O-train) that it won't be a bad thing when that happens

Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Rolston
Pandolfo-Madden-Bergfors
Rupp-Holika-Vrana

Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Rolston
Pandolfo-Madden-Bergfors
Rupp-Holika-Vrana

where did langensutter and clarkson go?

Elias-Zubrus-Gionta
Parise-Zajac-Rolston
Pandolfo-Madden-Bergfors
Rupp-Holika-Vrana

FAIL.

I've failed you before with the same lines, haven't I?

You can "fail" me all you want. That is what I believe to be a very solid set of lines. Just an opinion.

you cant just bench the captain and clarkson for no reason

You can "fail" me all you want. That is what I believe to be a very solid set of lines. Just an opinion.

clarkson wont sit, he's been playing better and sutter loves him

langs is the captain, he wont sit either, i think it would have sent a message ealier during the losing streak but you dont sit him when were winning (even tho he ****s up every chance he gets)

Ok, put Langenbrunner on the 4th line playing RW with Rupp and Holik. Rotate Bergfors and Clarkson at the RW on the 3rd line.

bergfors is not going to play once everyone is back

he didnt even play when we had 6 injuries

Ok, put Langenbrunner on the 4th line playing RW with Rupp and Holik. Rotate Bergfors and Clarkson at the RW on the 3rd line.

Using what BG said to slight you and your dumb opinion.

It really is a testimony to "HFBoards bipolar disease" considering many wanted Zubrus burned at the stake, bought out, or traded only about a week ago.

Just change the name to Langenbrunner and you get my point. Dont be so ****ing ridiculous.