1) Having top-level players on the first line and pairing, declining to bottom-level players on the fourth line and third pairing, or
2) Having mid-level players composing the entire active roster. The top line isn't as good as it would be in the first scenario, but the third and fourth lines would be better.
Keep in mind that a top line forward still plays about 40% of the game; good depth is vital.
Excuse me for speaking for Capn ... but I don't think he was arguing against depth. I've never heard him argue against depth. What I think he's "ugh"ing is the idea that we trade skill ... period. He acknowledges the role and use of players like Malone and Marleau but they need to be in ADDITION to a roster that already possesses a Nash and a Zherdev.
Capn has long maintained that the responsibility of this franchise to add ALL the players to this roster that are necessary to build a team that is capable (talented, willing, and prepared) to win every game necessary to get this show to the playoffs.
For now, given the state of our roster ... that likely means we'll have to pay the cash that's required ... pay to play, and pay, and pay ... every year for the foreseeable future.
If I've misrepresented the Capn's mind ... I'm sure he'll be along shortly to inform me of this.
1) Having top-level players on the first line and pairing, declining to bottom-level players on the fourth line and third pairing, or
2) Having mid-level players composing the entire active roster. The top line isn't as good as it would be in the first scenario, but the third and fourth lines would be better.
Keep in mind that a top line forward still plays about 40% of the game; good depth is vital.
There's always that gray-in-between....
Respectable/Strong first line (not freakish, but strong)...
Very good second line....
and dump Chimera from our third line lol....
1) Having top-level players on the first line and pairing, declining to bottom-level players on the fourth line and third pairing, or
2) Having mid-level players composing the entire active roster. The top line isn't as good as it would be in the first scenario, but the third and fourth lines would be better.
Keep in mind that a top line forward still plays about 40% of the game; good depth is vital.
My opinion is neither. Taking your statement at face value, if the first line plays 40% of the game, then "your best players (first line) need to best your best players."
I believe your second line needs to be almost as good as your first.
Your third line needs to be disruptive - different than the first two. Some go with toughness, an "energy line." The CBJ have opted to go with the "speed team."
Your fourth line needs to be for specialists. For example, Manny Malhotra can win faceoffs. Jared Boll will hit anything that moves. Tyler Wright was an agitator. Jody Shelley was a pugilist. Minor league callups can also go on the 4th line for their cup of coffee to get exposed to the big league in smaller doses.
Just my opinion though. There are lots of different theories on this subject.
I cant see Zherdev wanting to play long term in Columbus, unless its for a TON of cash. Columbus doesnt seem like the type of town Z wants to spend his winters in for the next 5-8 years. I also fear the contract negotiation, if the stock is high, sell.
But for me, the 6th pick is off the table unless we get double value for it. If this draft is as deep with Dmen as theyre saying, I want one of these stud dmen.
Actually on the contrary. While he still loves Mother Russia above all, he really enjoys the city of Columbus, and probably wouldn't be as happy anywhere else. Now, playing for another coach? That might be a different story...
Actually on the contrary. While he still loves Mother Russia above all, he really enjoys the city of Columbus, and probably wouldn't be as happy anywhere else. Now, playing for another coach? That might be a different story...
I wasn't aware he wasn't happy with Hitch. Though since they've been eliminated I've been out of the loop. Once the seasons over I pretty much run out of excuses to avoid school.
I wasn't aware he wasn't happy with Hitch. Though since they've been eliminated I've been out of the loop. Once the seasons over I pretty much run out of excuses to avoid school.
I wouldn't say it's that he's unhappy with Hitch, just that(as most players would), he'd prefer to have a less demanding coach to play for. At the same time, if he sticks with the team and has another strong year and gets a nice new contract, I don't think we'd ever hear him complain.
I wasn't aware he wasn't happy with Hitch. Though since they've been eliminated I've been out of the loop. Once the seasons over I pretty much run out of excuses to avoid school.
I took Case to mean Z would be happier playing in a different SYSTEM - one that's more wide open and creative - not necessarily a personality conflict with Hitch. Casework, correct me if I misrepresented your thoughts.
I took Case to mean Z would be happier playing in a different SYSTEM - one that's more wide open and creative - not necessarily a personality conflict with Hitch. Casework, correct me if I misrepresented your thoughts.
Yep, you got it.
By the way. It's officially the off-season. How many days til the first game?
He did tie for 2nd in a poll of 365 players asking "Which NHL coach would you least like to play for?" Can we get Mike Modano on the phone with these guys? Maybe that'll help.
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Blog-Rakers Bingo Part 3: This time it's personal.
He did tie for 2nd in a poll of 365 players asking "Which NHL coach would you least like to play for?" Can we get Mike Modano on the phone with these guys? Maybe that'll help.
And two of the three that ranked right behind Hitch coached in the Stanley Cup Finals.
I took Case to mean Z would be happier playing in a different SYSTEM - one that's more wide open and creative - not necessarily a personality conflict with Hitch. Casework, correct me if I misrepresented your thoughts.
Hitch invested in Zherdev and trusted him to become a better player and team mate. Hitch put more trust in Z than any other coach ever has, treated him as an adult and expected him to behave as an adult on and off the ice. While Z would undoubtedly like to have a team around him that was more offensively oriented ...
I took Case to mean Z would be happier playing in a different SYSTEM - one that's more wide open and creative - not necessarily a personality conflict with Hitch. Casework, correct me if I misrepresented your thoughts.
He did tie for 2nd in a poll of 365 players asking "Which NHL coach would you least like to play for?" Can we get Mike Modano on the phone with these guys? Maybe that'll help.
Interesting...I guess the 365 players they polled don't care about winning much.
The top 7 were:
Mike Keenan, Flames ...... has won a Stanley Cup
Marc Crawford, Kings ...... has won a Stanley Cup
Ken Hitchcock, Blue Jackets ....has won a Stanley Cup
John Tortorella, Lightning ...... has won a Stanley Cup
Michel Therrien, Penguins ......just lost in the Stanley Cup
Jacques Lemaire, Wild ...has won Stanley Cups as both player and coach
Mike Babcock, Red Wings ...just won the Stanley Cup
Interesting...I guess the 365 players they polled don't care about winning much.
The top 7 were:
Mike Keenan, Flames ...... has won a Stanley Cup
Marc Crawford, Kings ...... has won a Stanley Cup
Ken Hitchcock, Blue Jackets ....has won a Stanley Cup
John Tortorella, Lightning ...... has won a Stanley Cup
Michel Therrien, Penguins ......just lost in the Stanley Cup
Jacques Lemaire, Wild ...has won Stanley Cups as both player and coach
Mike Babcock, Red Wings ...just won the Stanley Cup
So I guess Gerard Gallant would've been on the list of coaches players wanted to play for??
That player poll reminds me of what the Red Wings players used to say about Scotty Bowman back in the day. You hated his guts for 364 days. On the 365th, you got your Stanley Cup ring.
I don't see the problem with what was said before :
San Jose gets : Zherdev + 1st rounder (6th overall)
Colombus gets : Marleau + Matt Carle
Colombus gets a decent first line for the first time ever IMO. Matt Carle is a rough diamond, but I think he'll be great in a few years.
San Jose free some cap space. They lose their captain, but they need some help on the defense. I think that Zherdev would be great in San Jose.
im just curious...do people actually pronounce Columbus like the way they think its spelled? its kind of an insult, we've been in the league since 2000...youd think people would notice how to spell the city. ive seen its countless times spelled with an O here. i can spell all the other cities with no problem
