Obligatory forward lines thread for next season

[LIDDYGIBBY5 1]

Wait, wait, who was that Henrik Zetterberg guy? Too bad we ruined his career by not spending time in Grand Rapids.

Why would they put Zetterberg with Hossa? If anything they will probably put Dats with Hossa because Pavel is more of a set up man, where as Zetterberg is a goal scorer.

Dats is the better set up guy, but Zetterberg is no slouch at setting people up either. I think that the second line would need the better set up passes. That is why I would put Dats there.

[Dabura 12,232]

Does it really matter if its Datsyuk or Zetterberg that Hossa is playing with? They are equally good anyways

Datsyuk is more of a setup-type guy. If I had to pick between Hossa-Z and Hossa-D, I'd definitely go with the latter, as Hossa is a fantastic finisher. In actuality, he and Dats were kind of born to play together.

About our powerplay... do you guys think hossa should replace homer in the 1st pp unit? no one will stand in front of the net but we get a sniper and overall better player hmmm...

Nah, unless the situation really calls for it (e.g., life-or-death 5-on-3). I'm sure Babs is gonna be tempted, though.

[MabusIncarnate 5,359]

Hossa Zetts Homer

Franzen Dats Flipper

Sammy Draper Cleary

Maltby Helm Kopecky

McCarty

That is just the way I see it

I don't think Kopecky is going to make the lineup over Hudler. Where does Huds tie into this?

I agree with the guy who called out Kopecky... Why is he on most of the lists over Helm? I'd just as soon say trade Kopecky away for a draft pick, wouldn't break my heart.

As for Leino making the squad over everyone else that's going to be fighting for the spot, i'll take the bet against that.

Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Holmstrom

Hossa - Flippula - Franzen

Cleary - Draper - Sammy

Hudler - Helm - Maltby/McCarty

I see Hudler being shuffled around, but I don't see him out of the lineup at all. Above is what makes sense to me.

[Dabura 12,232]

Look what he did in just about every other game of the season. He has a wicked hard shot the rings off of the glass nearly every time he shoots. If he does get the puck on net it is right in the chest of the goalie. I don't think he will bring much to this team in a back-checking defensive role if he plays with Draper.

The problem with Sammy has always been that he's a checking-line guy who's been counted on to instead be a big source of offense. He excelled with Draper and Drake because that's the role he's best suited for and, therefore, most comfortable in.

[SweWings 45]

Whats the fuzz about Leino.. just a prospect among many others... he must play in GR a year or two first, adapt to smaller rinks, style of play etc.

Well that really depends on how he plays during the TC.

[Lidstrom5 D-Man 0]

I didn't see this line in my hasty reading but I'll be the first to say it (I hope):

Homer - Hank - Hossa

The three H line!

[CanadaBoy 151]

I didn't see this line in my hasty reading but I'll be the first to say it (I hope):

Homer - Hank - Hossa

The three H line!

[Bannedforlife 403]

Franzen - Datsyuk - Hossa

Filppula - Zetterberg - Holmstrom

Maltby - Draper - Cleary

Hudler - Helm - Samuelsson

Kopecky

Lidstrom - Rafalski

Kronwall - Stuart

Lilja - Lebda

Chelios

Meech

Osgood

Conklin

What's a seven letter word for empire?

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Homer-Datsyuk-Hossa

Franzen-Zetterberg-Cleary

Hudler-Filpula-Samuelson

Maltby-Draper-McCarty/Kopecky

Downey

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

"The Game" would make a great enforcer.

However, Hank is Zetterberg's nickname, and not his last name like for Hossa and Holmstrom.

Edited July 3, 2008 by GMRwings1983

[Superman54 91]

Hossa - Datsyuk - Holmstrom

Franzen - Zetterberg - Filppula

Cleary - Draper - Samuelsson

Hudler - Helm - Kopecky

Maltby

McCarty

[puckbags 863]

All I can see with all these line combo's is that we have a REALLY REALLY SCARY HOCKEY TEAM....basically the same team we won the cup with but now we have Marian Hossa. We are so deep that we have put ourselves into a position where we can maybe trade some guys for draft picks. I cant wait for the season to start but in the mean time I will just continue to gloat about that Stanley Cup we just won !!

[B.B. 0]

Okay I just can't get over my excitement over the acquisition of signing Hossa, and combine that with the fact I'm a little drunk and just sat on my front porch messing with line-ups, I decided to start the thread we all knew would come from somewhere. I feel as though Hossa has filled in the final hole and the possibilities of our forward lines are nearly endless now. Here is what I have come up with:

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Hossa-Filpula-Franzen

Cleary-Draper-Samuellson

Maltby-Kopecky-Hudler

I feel as though with these lines you have a little of every element on each line. I think you soulc swap the positions of Zetterberg and Filpula, since Filpula is basically a poor man's zetterberg who doesn't shoot (or pass) as much, and you could also have kopecky trade places with draper if you wanted a fourth line that is more geared with extra players for special teams versus having it set up to roll four lines, even though I think Draper is a little too good a player to be stuck on the fourth line.

I expect Z and D to be split up. I also think you will see Draper taking a reduced role this season, and Hudler asked to play top-6 minutes (at least, initially, and he will be on a short leash.)

Here are the lines:

Homer-Dats-Hossa

Franzen-Zet-Hudler

Cleary-Flip-Sammy

Maltby-Draper-Kopecky

This is, of course, assuming Flip re-signs (and it would be a big loss if he did not). Also, any contribution from Leino or Helm, etc. would be completely unexpected but it certainly could happen. I just think with these lines, we can roll 3 scoring lines, and one grind line to play physical and provide some hits and defense. It also allows Drapes and Maltby to take reduced roles.

[tommingthepuck96 1]

Whats the fuzz about Leino.. just a prospect among many others... he must play in GR a year or two first, adapt to smaller rinks, style of play etc.

I dont understand why they would sign him for just one year just to send him to GR for the whole season then lose him in 09 when holland has to re-sign zetterberg, franzen, hudler and or hossa. I guess we'll see.

Edited July 3, 2008 by tommingthepuck96

[Guest lnvincible]

Homer - Datz - Hossa

Mule - Zetter - Flipper

Draper - Clearly - Samuelsson

Maltby - Leino - Hudler

Helm

[wingsdiehard13 33]

Does it really matter if its Datsyuk or Zetterberg that Hossa is playing with? They are equally good anyways

About our powerplay... do you guys think hossa should replace homer in the 1st pp unit? no one will stand in front of the net but we get a sniper and overall better player hmmm...

Yes it matters. Sure, they are equal in talent but Dats is a better set up man.

Look what he did in just about every other game of the season. He has a wicked hard shot the rings off of the glass nearly every time he shoots. If he does get the puck on net it is right in the chest of the goalie. I don't think he will bring much to this team in a back-checking defensive role if he plays with Draper.

He didn't play with Cleary and Draper in most other games tho.

[Systemfel 33]

Lol I love how you put the umlauts and stuff on the names all proper and s***, systemfel. Are you really from gothenburg? How's the heavy metal scene out there going?

Yes. Heavy metal sucks, no matter where it's at. Makes my ears bleed.

[marcaractac 3,963]

This is what I expect to see:

Homer/Datsyuk/Hossa

Filppula/Zetterberg/Franzen

Cleary/Draper/Samuelsson

Maltby/Hudler/Kopecky

Extras: McCarty/Downey

Lidstrom/Rafalski

Kronwall/Stuart

Quincey/Meech

Extras: Lilja/Chelios

Osgood

Backup: Conklin

Howard will spend time with the Wings and with the Griffins. Downey and McCarty will get sent down to allow Howard to get starts when possible to prove himself for 2009/2010.

Ericsson will spend another year in Grand Rapids just because he is the only one who can. Guaranteed a spot for 2009/2010 though.

Helm will spend the year in Grand Rapids for the same reasons as Ericsson, and also so he can get lots of playing time. It sucks, but thats the way it goes. He'll be back the year after for sure though because either Hossa or Sammy will be gone.

Lebda will be the odd man out and get traded (I'll definitely miss his drunken celebratory antics). Quincey and Meech have more of an upside to them. Our 3rd defense pairing will be rotated around a lot.

[CenterIce 83]

This is what I expect to see:

Homer/Datsyuk/Hossa

Filppula/Zetterberg/Franzen

Cleary/Draper/Samuelsson

Maltby/Hudler/Kopecky

Extras: McCarty/Downey

Lidstrom/Rafalski

Kronwall/Stuart

Quincey/Meech

Extras: Lilja/Chelios

Osgood

Backup: Conklin

Howard will spend time with the Wings and with the Griffins. Downey and McCarty will get sent down to allow Howard to get starts when possible to prove himself for 2009/2010.

Ericsson will spend another year in Grand Rapids just because he is the only one who can. Guaranteed a spot for 2009/2010 though.

Helm will spend the year in Grand Rapids for the same reasons as Ericsson, and also so he can get lots of playing time. It sucks, but thats the way it goes. He'll be back the year after for sure though because either Hossa or Sammy will be gone.

Lebda will be the odd man out and get traded (I'll definitely miss his drunken celebratory antics). Quincey and Meech have more of an upside to them. Our 3rd defense pairing will be rotated around a lot.

You would have to make one more move, because it is only a 23 man roster.

[Z and D for the C 712]

Hossa - Datsyuk - Homer

Flip - Zetterberg - Franzen

Cleary - Drapes - Sammy

Maltby - Kopey - Huds

Mac

I think those would be the best lines. We could still play ZDH if we wanted, and hopefully ZDH2 (Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Hossa) on the PP.

Edited July 3, 2008 by Z and D for the C

[CrossCheck24 2]

I haven't seen one set up with Hossa/Zberg/Dats on first line. I don't think it will happen either, PP yes.

that being said:

Franzen/Dats/Hossa

Homer/Zberg/flip

Sammy/Draper/Cleary

Helm/Kopecky/Huds- young guns line

Dmac

[Z and D for the C 712]

I haven't seen one set up with Hossa/Zberg/Dats on first line. I don't think it will happen either, PP yes.

I wouldn't do it on the 5 on 5, but for the PP I think you should put your best line conceivable up for the first unit. We can still have Flip Franzen and Huds for the second PP unit, which is still pretty good.

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

Split up ZDH on the road so teams can't match your big line

Datsyuk tends to play better with Holmstrom and Filppula then Zetterberg does for some reason; I'm just assuming that Hossa-Zetterberg-Franzen will roll(and who wouldn't?)

AWAY

Franzen-Zetterberg-Hossa

Datsyuk-Filppula-Holmstrom

Hudler-Draper-Cleary

Maltby-Helm-Samuelson

HOME

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom

Franzen-Filppula-Hossa

Hudler-Draper-Cleary

Maltby-Helm-Samuelson

[Thunderpriest 8]

It is odd having to place a player of Hossa's caliber on the second line, but that's where I'd put him. I don't want to break up the top line.

That said, I can see Hossa playing with Z & Dats late in the game if we're behind.

Additionally, I can see a forward being dealt prior to the start of the regular season to make signing Filppula easier while maintaining some cap room for the deadline. Either that, or Helm will have to play in GR this year. We all know that a defenseman will be traded for picks. (My guess: Quincey)

My regular lineup:

Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Holmstrom

Hossa, Filppula, Franzen

Hudler, Kopecky, Cleary

Maltby, Draper, Samuelsson

Reserve: McCarty

Lidstrom, Rafalski

Kronwall, Stuart

Lebda, Lilja

Meech, Chelios

Okay, it's late in the game and we're down by one:

Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Hossa (wow)

Hudler, Filppula, Franzen

Cleary, Kopecky, Holmstrom

Maltby, Draper, McCarty

Reserve: Samuelsson

Split the top line? Trade Sammy & keep Helm? Okay.

Filppula, Datsyuk, Holmstrom

Franzen, Zetterberg, Hossa

Hudler, Helm, Cleary

Maltby, Draper, McCarty

Reserve: Kopecky

So many options.

I love it!

[BeeRYCE 2]

I'd say do not split up ZDH, but it will definitely be tried... If it works, it works, but I know not splitting them up will be to our advantage