Holland on Lines

[Guest micah]

Outdated? By what....2 months? The two teams that made the Cup Finals the past two years haven't exactly been what you consider "tough."

Life moves pretty fast. guys like Kenny and I are ahead of the game, always scanning the horizon. 2 months is an eternity in our fast-paced lives.

Interesting how you and Kenny are on the same page, yet Kenny initially was trying to bring back Hossa, Hudler and Sammy. What nationality are they again?

You bought that? Kenny was bluffing. We're laughing at you from his office, where we're reading this together, drinking congnac and enjoying a $5 Hot and Ready, which he totally got us for half price.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

See NFM, that's the kind of jab that gets the thread off track. You big neener!!

That's why I wrote "sidenote."

He deserves 2 minutes for instigating a thread derail. I was on-topic re Holland and Homer until NFM wrecked everything.

See above

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Life moves pretty fast. guys like Kenny and I are ahead of the game, always scanning the horizon. 2 months is an eternity in our fast-paced lives.

You bought that? Kenny was bluffing. We're laughing at you from his office, where we're reading this together, drinking congnac and enjoying a $5 Hot and Ready, which he totally got us for half price.

Atleast I get what you're going for with your posts.....or should I say, "delusions?"

When you want to have a serious debate, let me know.

[mmamolo 287]

Life moves pretty fast. guys like Kenny and I are ahead of the game, always scanning the horizon. 2 months is an eternity in our fast-paced lives.

You bought that? Kenny was bluffing. We're laughing at you from his office, where we're reading this together, drinking congnac and enjoying a $5 Hot and Ready, which he totally got us for half price.

That's f***in funny

[Guest blueadams]

That's f***in funny

here's a link to the interview: http://www.fan590.com/media.jsp?content=20090819_123255_8968

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Cleary

Franzen-Filppula-Bertuzzi/Williams

Leino/Holmstrom-Helm-Williams/Bertuzzi

Holmstrom/Leino-Draper-Eaves

this much about the lines is now fact. there are really only two questions worth discussing...

#1) bertuzzi or williams on the second line?

...i'm guessing we go with bert on the second line. he gives us a great net presence there (ala cleary on the 1st line). Mule's a big man, but he might also have the best shot on the team, and he likes to hang around the perimeter in 5on5 situations.

#2) leino or homer on the third line?

...this is a tougher call. homer gives u a net presence on the third line, but leino is too talented to be a 4th liner, isn't he!? I'm guessing we go with Leino.

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Cleary

Franzen-Filppula-Bertuzzi

Leino-Helm-Williams

Holmstrom-Draper-Eaves

Maltby

*Abdelkader

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall-Stuart

Lebda-Ericsson

Meech

*Kindl

Osgood

Howard

*Larsson

LTIR - Lilija

Edited August 19, 2009 by blueadams

[e_prime 1,936]

You bought that? Kenny was bluffing. We're laughing at you from his office, where we're reading this together, drinking congnac and enjoying a $5 Hot and Ready, which he totally got us for half price.

Almost wet myself on that one.

[jenova0 0]

This signing makes me HATE the J Wills signing more. Ughhh.

[mmamolo 287]

here's a link to the interview: http://www.fan590.com/media.jsp?content=20090819_123255_8968

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Cleary

Franzen-Filppula-Bertuzzi/Williams

Leino/Holmstrom-Helm-Williams/Bertuzzi

Holmstrom/Leino-Draper-Eaves

this much about the lines is now fact. there are really only two questions worth discussing...

#1) bertuzzi or williams on the second line?

#2) leino or homer on the third line?

Bertuzzi 2nd, Leino 3rd and Holmstrom 4th. No other way to do it.

[egroen 384]

Leino/Holmstrom-Helm-Williams/Bertuzzi

This line would be a scary defensive liability.

Helm is literally the only guy who could be bothered getting back.

I'd rather have Holmstrom on the 1st line and Cleary down, than see a line like that iced.

[StevieY9802 6]

I'm interesed to see what happens. I would have thought they would have left Homer with Dats. He has been most productive with him. They've tried him down on the 3rd and 4th lines a bunch of times over the last like 10 years and he always seems to fair better with the skilled guys. I'm not sure where I want Bert. While I think he would be good on the 2nd, having that size to go with Helm's speed might be nice. 6 weeks till the regular season? come on baby!

Edited August 19, 2009 by StevieY9802

[mmamolo 287]

6 weeks till the regular season? come on baby!

Oh god that still seems like an eternity. It felt a lot shorter than 6 weeks before someone actualyl mentioned how much time is left.

[Cern 0]

Bertuzzi

the ability to score

hahahahaha. This isn't six years ago, kiddo.

[Guest micah]

here's a link to the interview: http://www.fan590.com/media.jsp?content=20090819_123255_8968

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Cleary

Franzen-Filppula-Bertuzzi/Williams

Leino/Holmstrom-Helm-Williams/Bertuzzi

Holmstrom/Leino-Draper-Eaves

this much about the lines is now fact. there are really only two questions worth discussing...

#1) bertuzzi or williams on the second line?

#2) leino or homer on the third line?

If things works out as you suggest, then;

Bert on the 2nd line - the less icetime JWill gets the better. I'm not a Willy hater, he just isn't that good.

Leino on the 3rd over Homer, as Homer skates like something that doesn't skate very well.

If the 4th line really will be Homer/Draper/Eaves, that line ought never see a shift in a game that isn't a blowout. In this situation, what does Eaves bring? Homer and Draper can be plugged into situations where they're useful, but I know little of Eaves.

I think something is going on that we aren't seeing here. Also, I'm sure that Holland and Babs are thinking about lines and are itching to get the season underway, but I doubt very much that they really know what the lines are going to look like on opening night. Yes, most of these players are known quantities, but I doubt even Holland hasn't seen any of these lines together enough (or recently enough) to really make up his mind.

[Holmstrom96 347]

it's probably for the best... use him as a 4th liner and rest him for PP specialist play...

It might be better that way. In the playoffs and at the end of the season Holmstrom seemed to be less and less effective, especially against better teams. Although it doesn't help that the refs seem to think that crosschecking and interference is OK when it's done to Holmstrom. I just can't believe some of the stuff people get away with on him.

[Guest blueadams]

If things works out as you suggest, then;

Bert on the 2nd line - the less icetime JWill gets the better. I'm not a Willy hater, he just isn't that good.

Leino on the 3rd over Homer, as Homer skates like something that doesn't skate very well.

If the 4th line really will be Homer/Draper/Eaves, that line ought never see a shift in a game that isn't a blowout. In this situation, what does Eaves bring? Homer and Draper can be plugged into situations where they're useful, but I know little of Eaves.

I think something is going on that we aren't seeing here. Also, I'm sure that Holland and Babs are thinking about lines and are itching to get the season underway, but I doubt very much that they really know what the lines are going to look like on opening night. Yes, most of these players are known quantities, but I doubt even Holland hasn't seen any of these lines together enough (or recently enough) to really make up his mind.

listen to that interview...holland seems to think he's found a hidden gem on the verge of breaking out in eaves...he could maybe take williams spot on the third line.

[numberthirtynine 0]

it's probably for the best... use him as a 4th liner and rest him for PP specialist play...

Agreed. Cleary won't ever be as good as Homer at what Homer does in front of the net, but his skill is higher and that, now, is what matters.

Homer's net presence no longer outweighs his lack of skill, because his lack of skill has seriously declined.

I agree with Holland. I was hoping the Wings would put Homer on the 4th line. It'll either light a fire under his ass and make him work harder, or he'll prove that line is where he deserves to be. Either way...

I can see that last spot that Bert/Williams were going for, filled by many different players until someone claims it. I doubt it'll be Williams. Just not good enough. I can see Leino, Bert, Eaves, maybe even Homer or Helm getting a shot and whoever takes it is whoever has the most chemistry with Flip. Franzen is usually fine regardless but Flip's chemistry with one of those players will likely decide.

Sadly, I can foresee a ton of issues with that line, with regards to low production and disappointing games. We'll overreact but it'll just be a chemistry thing. I think ultimately it'll be Bert who claims the spot despite Leino playing pretty well on the line and we'll all flip out.

Edited August 19, 2009 by numberthirtynine

[Guest micah]

Although it doesn't help that the refs seem to think that crosschecking and interference is OK when it's done to Holmstrom. I just can't believe some of the stuff people get away with on him.

I kinda can. The game is best when DMen are allowed to clear the crease - with authority if needed. I don't agree with the fact that it's illegal and doesn't get called, because if it's in the books it should get called - but I would not be opposed to a rule allowing a bit more contact when you're trying to move someone away from your goalie's crease.

If you're goping to stand in front of a goalie, you have to earn that space, and it out not be easy.

[numberthirtynine 0]

I kinda can. The game is best when DMen are allowed to clear the crease - with authority if needed. I don't agree with the fact that it's illegal and doesn't get called, because if it's in the books it should get called - but I would not be opposed to a rule allowing a bit more contact when you're trying to move someone away from your goalie's crease.

If you're goping to stand in front of a goalie, you have to earn that space, and it out not be easy.

Games can be their best when the refs let them clear the crease, btu games can also be their absolute worst when they don't allow it both ways.

We're Wings fans, we know damn well it doesn't go both ways. It almost never does. It ruins the entire game when that happens. We ust watched Pitt take liberties until they were blue in the face and we couldn't lay a finger on anything in yellow or we were watching for 2 minutes.

Edited August 19, 2009 by numberthirtynine

[mmamolo 287]

Games can be their best when the refs let them clear the crease, btu games can also be their absolute worst when they don't allow it both ways.

We're Wings fans, we know damn well it doesn't go both ways. It almost never does. It ruins the entire game when that happens. We ust watched Pitt take liberties until they were blue in the face and we couldn't lay a finger on anything in yellow or we were watching for 2 minutes.

Definitely agree. There is a double standard in officiating. It does tend to go both ways but i cant help but notice it tends to go against us more than it goes for us. That's just my opinion and maybe it's biased but I try not to be.

That being said, I really think Eaves could break out this year for us as well. I think by rights he has to start on the fourth line but I definitely would nto be surprised to see him getting more ice time as the season goes on.

[Guest micah]

Games can be their best when the refs let them clear the crease, btu games can also be their absolute worst when they don't allow it both ways.

We're Wings fans, we know damn well it doesn't go both ways. It almost never does. It ruins the entire game when that happens. We ust watched Pitt take liberties until they were blue in the face and we couldn't lay a finger on anything in yellow or we were watching for 2 minutes.

I agree 100%. I'd like to see the rule changes I mentioned made, and then see them uniformly enforced. First, the rules must very clearly state what is and is not acceptable (and the way Homer gets pushed around is not acceptable under the current rules, even though I think it should be) and then the refs must officiate every minute of every game using the same standard.

[Echolalia 2,961]

My Holmstrom is injured and will be on LTIR theory continues to gain steam.

[Guest blueadams]

if eaves turns out to be as good as holland thinks he can be...he'll take williams' spot on the third line...imagine:

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Cleary

Franzen-Filppula-Bertuzzi

Leino-Helm-Eaves

Holmstrom-Draper-Williams

leino-helm-eaves could be one of the better scoring third lines in the league, if not the best. then homer-draper-williams sort of sucks as a 4th line, but whatever, u've got some specialists there...1st team pp net presence, 2nd team pp point man, and crunch-time faceoff specialist.

[skacore 2]

if eaves turns out to be as good as holland thinks he can be...he'll take williams' spot on the third line...imagine:

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Cleary

Franzen-Filppula-Bertuzzi

Leino-Helm-Eaves

Holmstrom-Draper-Williams

leino-helm-eaves could be one of the better scoring third lines in the league, if not the best. then homer-draper-williams sort of sucks as a 4th line, but whatever, u've got some specialists there...1st team pp net presence, 2nd team pp point man, and crunch-time faceoff specialist.

we could just not play Holmstrom-Draper-Williams at even strength and run 3 lines

[Guest micah]

we could just not play Holmstrom-Draper-Williams at even strength and run 3 lines

Yup. Unless we're up or down by 5 goals, there's no reason that Holmstrom-Draper-Williams should be on the ice together.

[mmamolo 287]

I really think it's possible for Eaves to eventually take on a 3rd line spot. He wont get any PP ice time so Williams wont have to worry about that. But in the end at ES we may in fact see Williams get some 4th line time. It just won't start that way. Eaves will have to outplay Williams for it.

But let's face facts, with injuries and stuff we may see Williams get some 2nd line time, Eaves some 3rd line time and Maltby some 4th line time.