We don't really need to acquire a 2nd line C...

...because I think we have a couple perfect fits already in the organization.

If Rucchin can't produce well enough, he'd do well at third line C. But then we need a 2nd liner, and after watching the gold medal game, I think that if Rooch falters, we got a quick replacement.

First guy in my mind is Nieds. He was great in the POs and great in this game. He could bring grit on a line with Prospal and Sykora, and could use his speed as a huge benefit. Pairing him with a great playmaker and a good scorer could mean a great year for him.

The second guy is a guy I've pimped for the job since the last Detroit game, that being God himself. He was dangerous offensively against Canada, and earned player of the game(which usually happened alot this year). Pairing him with two good offensive players could create a break-out year for him. If his defense shines like always, he'd get alot more Selke consideration, as well as the possibility of career numbers. The only thing preventing his breakout is the fact that he could potentially play 4th line center next year.

The only thing preventing his breakout is the fact that he could potentially play 4th line center next year.

I don't think that would be the case with Sami(please don't call him the G word, I'm against since I'm religious:) Anyways, I might reconsider, but I think we DO need a big, strong 2nd line centerman. No offense to Rooch himself, I hope Philly lets Primeau go.

Absolutely, there's no need to be cheap about upgrading our center position. God's cool but his top end looks to be about 10 goals per year. Niedermayer has found all his success (such as it is) on the wing. Besides, who the hell would ever get the puck out of the corner on a Prospal-Nieds-Sykora line? Plus, I don't really think Prospal needs Sykora. Get it? Get it?

I also think the ducks need a center, I dont think the ducks should but so much pressure on Rucchins fragile body, besides you dont want to depend on him so much...

Keith wouldnt really improve this team, hes almost as fragile and hes really declining especially in terms of scoring.

Absolutely, there's no need to be cheap about upgrading our center position. God's cool but his top end looks to be about 10 goals per year. Niedermayer has found all his success (such as it is) on the wing. Besides, who the hell would ever get the puck out of the corner on a Prospal-Nieds-Sykora line? Plus, I don't really think Prospal needs Sykora. Get it? Get it?

I think Nieds would be digging the puck out don't you? He was better along the boards than Ruchin was at least...

I don't like Nieds on the 2nd line because unless Mike Leclerc pulls a 180, we really need some size on our 1st line. Niedermayer did very well there last year.

Also defensive coverage wouldn't be the same and I think he tends to shadow one person (like Gaborik in the playoff) and gets them off their game. As a center he wouldn't have that luxury.

I also don't think Pahlson or Ruchin have 2nd line offensive instincts... Ruchin did it in the playoffs but has been a ghost in the regular season.

Rucchin did score 20 goals last season where he was hurt most of the time. I think he's a capable 2nd line center.

Absolutely, there's no need to be cheap about upgrading our center position. God's cool but his top end looks to be about 10 goals per year. Niedermayer has found all his success (such as it is) on the wing. Besides, who the hell would ever get the puck out of the corner on a Prospal-Nieds-Sykora line? Plus, I don't really think Prospal needs Sykora. Get it? Get it?


Most of us thought earlier this season that he'd never score again. A couple years back it was doubtful he'd ever play again. If his potential has gone from 0 games, to 1 or 2 goals, to 10 goals a year, you'd think it could improve, no?

Sure it could. It could also have levelled out. It's too bad we have to rely on such questionables for our offense when there are better options out there.

Rucchin can fill in as a second liner but he's a 3rd line center, one of the best around. Poor guy has been shoehorned in to places he doesn't belong his whole career because of a consistent lack of something better. He's a second line center by default right now, just like he was a first line center by default during the duo's glory days.

Sure it could. It could also have levelled out. It's too bad we have to rely on such questionables for our offense when there are better options out there.

Rucchin can fill in as a second liner but he's a 3rd line center, one of the best around. Poor guy has been shoehorned in to places he doesn't belong his whole career because of a consistent lack of something better. He's a second line center by default right now, just like he was a first line center by default during the duo's glory days.

True, true, very true. I like Rooch as third line center, better than a second one, anyways. This thread was mainly made just to show it isn't that bad if we can't acquire that 2nd line center. I like guys like Arnott, but if they start asking for too much, it might be easier to go with Pahlsson or another option. I'd also hope Getzlaf could start playing well enough to crack line #2, and get alot of Calder contention.