Smirnov Federov Sykora
Prospal Ruchin Niedermayer
Lupul Pahlson Chistov
Johnson Krog Severson/Burnett
Extra: Holmqvist
Smirnov is not a lock on line 1, and may have actually lost the spot in the last game. Possibly Niedermayer could take his spot with Chistov bumping up to 2nd line, and Smirnov falling to 3rd.
Severson/Burnett are fighting for the enforcer role.
Getzalf hasn't been officially cut yet, but most think its imminent.
Defense:
Salei Ozolinsh
Sauer Halvelid
Simpson Vishnevski
Extra: Ward
Popovic is looking to get cut any day.
Carney is out 3-4 weeks, after that, who knows who gets scatched. They are rumors Vish could be traded.
It will be very intresting to see what happens when mcdonald gets back. Remember opening day last year the ling of McDonald, Chistov, and Smirinov.....
My prediction is that McDonald won't play either of the 2 road games but will instead get into the lineup for the home opener.
My forward lines for Wednesday:
Smirnov-Federov-Sykora
Niedermayer-Rucchin-Prospal
Chistov-Pahlsson-Lupul
Johnson-Krog-Burnett
scratched: Holmqvist, McDonald
I think Holmqvist will get in the lineup possibly in Johnson's spot for game 2 vs Nashville. I dont really like Smirnov on the 1st line but it seems to be what Babcock wants to do. If Smirnov looks bad for the first 2 games, Chistov could be moved up if McDonald would be better suited to playing 3rd line rather than be thrown onto the first line right away.
if andymac isnt back, i expect smirnov to play and if that happens i could see these lines..
chistov- Feds- sykora
prospal- Rooch- Nieds
smirnov/andymac- Sammi- Lupul
johnson- krog- severson/burnett
I agree with you there...I'd prefer to see Chistov on the first line and Smirnov on the third...but unfortunately it seems like it will be the other way around. Chistov is comfortable with Pahlsson on the third line and Babcock wants to give Smirnov a chance with Federov for some reason.
Andy will probably not play the 2 road games so it looks like Smirnov will get a chance to prove his worth.
I agree with you there...I'd prefer to see Chistov on the first line and Smirnov on the third...but unfortunately it seems like it will be the other way around. Chistov is comfortable with Pahlsson on the third line and Babcock wants to give Smirnov a chance with Federov for some reason.
Andy will probably not play the 2 road games so it looks like Smirnov will get a chance to prove his worth.
What they are trying to do is develop Smirnov on the job. They are hoping playing on the top line with Feds will give him the confidence to play like Babcock thinks he can.
But don't kid yourself, this will be a short lived experiment if the line or team doesn't perform to start the season.
"McDonald's future may affect Lupul, or even second-year players Stanislav Chistov and Alexei Smirnov, who both had less-than-impressive training camps. McDonald said he would return within the next couple of weeks and did not rule out playing against Dallas in Wednesday's opener."
I don't think they can send either down without them having to clear waivers. Which obviously wouldn't happen.
Neither will have to be send down if Andy Mac is ready play. We already have Leclerc and Carney on the IR list.
Smirnov will most likely start on the top unit. Not sure why but I remember last year Chistov was far away from having an inspiring Training camp and he was on the team in St.Louis. Coaches see the players day in and day out so they have a better feel how one will perform once it counts. Smirnov from a size and skill point of few makes a lot of sense to play with Feds and Sykora. He would be the guy that digs the pucks out of the corner and crashes the net - it just hasn't happened yet.
As for Andy Mace - well I remember all to well last year when Mike Babcock was asked which is the best line the Ducks have - his answers: Whatever line Andy plays on.
This will be a hugh boost if he comes back. A 3rd line with Chistov/McDonald/Lupul could create havoc in the opposent's D-Zone night in and night out.
I think those lines would be awesome, Lupul would show us more then Smirnov, and when.. andymac gets back make the lines this
andymac- Feds- Sykora
Prospal- Rooch- Nieds
chistov- Phalsson- Lupul
Johnson/ Holmqvist- krog- Burnett
anybody agree with me on these?
this is how i personaly think the lines will end up. Kinda creates a problem when Leclrec comes back. He should be on the third line which would bump lupul to the fourth which would not be good for him. My brain hurts thinking about all these scenarios, 48 more hours...
I think that should be the lineup... assuming Andy can get back into form. Once Leclerc comes back, Lupol and Smirnov should both be in Cincy...
Id like Prospal to switch with Sykora though...
I think we still need to trade cause 50+ million is high... i dont want our team to get Rangeritis
54 isn't THAT bad, and i don't know if that includes the signing bonus's for federov and prospal. If it does, then our normal payroll will be about 49-50 mil, which for the team we have is very respectable.
Jason Krog, who began last season with minor league Cincinnati, will get a shot at playing on the Ducks' first line with Sergei Fedorov and Rob Niedermayer. Krog has spent the last two days of practice skating with those two.
"Sergei creates so many scoring creates that you have to always be ready," said Krog, who scored 10 goals last season and three more during the playoffs. "He makes a lot of plays that other guys can't."
...so the top two lines to start the season will be...
1st-Niedermayer-Federov-Krog
2nd-Prospal-Rucchin-Sykora
Jason Krog, who began last season with minor league Cincinnati, will get a shot at playing on the Ducks' first line with Sergei Fedorov and Rob Niedermayer. Krog has spent the last two days of practice skating with those two.
"Sergei creates so many scoring creates that you have to always be ready," said Krog, who scored 10 goals last season and three more during the playoffs. "He makes a lot of plays that other guys can't."
...so the top two lines to start the season will be...
1st-Niedermayer-Federov-Krog
2nd-Prospal-Rucchin-Sykora
3rd line is probably Chistov-Pahlsson-Lupul
I really like this idea. It really spreads out our scoring. I still would like to see chistov with fedorov, but since fedorov will often be double shifted he should see some time with him. I am still wondering were McDonald would fit when he is ready to play.
