Having watched Bernier both last year and during this preseason I get the impression that he won't last long on the Sedin line. I've folllowed the twins closely since they had their breakout year after the lockout and I can say with confidence that Bernier's skill set is not particularly complementary. Sure, he can win puck battles on the boards and bang in goals from in front of the net; however, his hands (or lack thereof) will limit his effectiveness. He does not possess a great release and is an average passer at best. This may not be a popular opinion but I actually think that Naslund was a better fit on the Sedins' wing. Despite his obvious decline in shooting ability I still put his release ahead of Bernier's.
Now don't get me wrong, I think that regardless of who is on their wing the Sedins will have productive seasons. What I don't believe is that Bernier will be more complementary than Taylor Pyatt, or a number of other cheap options around the league. It wouldn't surprise me if he was off the top line in Mid-November; perhaps replaced by any of Pyatt, Wellwood, Grabner, Hansen or Raymond.
He has a 1g, 1a tonight in his first game. I remember Anson Carter and the twins were horrible in the pre-season, however, they developed chemisty as they continued to play with each other.
Bernier has us excited because he's a big, young, right-handed shot that could be used perfectly to complement the Sedins cycle game. Ever since Anson Carter bolted for the money, we've been searching for the next big winger who could fill those skates, and Bernier will hopefully provide us with that.
I'm not saying he's a sure bet to pot 30, but he seems like the perfect fit on paper.
And look... his first game playing on the Sedin line and he already has a goal and an assist. Albeit in pre-season, but it could only help his cause.
He has a 1g, 1a tonight in his first game. I remember Anson Carter and the twins were horrible in the pre-season, however, they developed chemisty as they continued to play with each other.
A puck went off his leg into the net and he picked up a second assist on a BEAUTY pass from Hank to Dan. I don't think he's the one driving the results.
Bernier has us excited because he's a big, young, right-handed shot that could be used perfectly to complement the Sedins cycle game. Ever since Anson Carter bolted for the money, we've been searching for the next big winger who could fill those skates, and Bernier will hopefully provide us with that.
I'm not saying he's a sure bet to pot 30, but he seems like the perfect fit on paper.
And look... his first game playing on the Sedin line and he already has a goal and an assist. Albeit in pre-season, but it could only help his cause.
There is nothing big about Anson Carter. He worked with the Sedins because he had a fantastic shot, not because he was good in the corners. I would say that Bernier's game is nothing like Carter's; his style is far more similar to Pyatt's.
A puck went off his leg into the net and he picked up a second assist on a BEAUTY pass from Hank to Dan. I don't think he's the one driving the results.
That goal was his reward for playing infront of the net the whole game and he was the first man battling the puck so he could pass it to Henrik. Bernier is providing a lot room for the Sedins to cycle in the offensive zone with his constant battling with the defencemen.
That goal was his reward for playing infront of the net the whole game and he was the first man battling the puck so he could pass it to Henrik. Bernier is providing a lot room for the Sedins to cycle in the offensive zone with his constant battling with the defencemen.
I can see where you're getting this from.
He doesn't seem to have much chemistry at this point in time, however I think he'll be just fine.
If, though, he doesn't fair well, I think Hansen may be the best of those listed.
I'm a big Bernier fan, but I actually agree with the OP... Bernier will be playing on the second line with Demitra by Christmas, while Hansen will thrive with the twins as soon as he gets an opportunity to do so in regular season play.
He has a 1g, 1a tonight in his first game. I remember Anson Carter and the twins were horrible in the pre-season, however, they developed chemisty as they continued to play with each other.
I seem to remember Carter clicking immediately with the Sedins even in preseason. Some of those preseason highlights were nicer goals than anything they come up with during the season.
I'm a big Bernier fan, but I actually agree with the OP... Bernier will be playing on the second line with Demitra by Christmas, while Hansen will thrive with the twins as soon as he gets an opportunity to do so in regular season play.
O'Sullivan from the Kings would be dynamite with the Sedins.
I am fully willing to admit I'm biased when it comes to big physical forwards....
At the same time, is it just me, or is Bernier one of the big standouts at camp? I think you see his age and raw talent stick out sometimes, but this kid seems like the real deal to me, and is not going to depend on particular player(s) to score him points.
I am quite impressed with his play, and I think he will be a steal for Gillis for years to come. Just IMHO..
A puck went off his leg into the net and he picked up a second assist on a BEAUTY pass from Hank to Dan. I don't think he's the one driving the results.
WRONG!!!!!!!
who was that BIG 6'2 220-230 guy in front of the net screening the goalie?? and creating havoc for the defensemen??
You could go get a snack while Naslund took a shot last year.
But its only been one game with Bernier on their wing, so give it some time, he actually fights for space when he is in front of the net, which is very refreshing.
A puck went off his leg into the net and he picked up a second assist on a BEAUTY pass from Hank to Dan. I don't think he's the one driving the results.
That's all he needs to do. Look at Carter's results, he didn't do much but score. Let the Sedins do their thing, get to the front of the net, cause havok and keep the D from ganging up the Sedins, wait the tap in/garbage goal.
I'm a big Bernier fan, but I actually agree with the OP... Bernier will be playing on the second line with Demitra by Christmas, while Hansen will thrive with the twins as soon as he gets an opportunity to do so in regular season play.
I'd rather see Hansen tried the Demitra/Raymond first. A line based around speed, with Hansen as the gifted grinder. I think Hansen's speed is a little wasted with the Sedins.
Wow, way to be bold. If you're right, you'll bump up this thread. If you're wrong, this will never be brought up again and fade into just another bold prediction thread.
