35 replies to this topic

[Echolalia]

Even though lines change about 300 times per season, I really like how Babs' projected line-up is looking. Problem is, I don't know which line I'm most excited about?

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Homer was the best line in the league a couple years ago, when they had the time to establish chemistry (and we had the depth to allow them to). I'm pretty pumped about their domination potential, and doing it through all those highlight-reel plays. Oh, and Homer is goofy as hell.

Bertuzzi-Filp-Franzen is probably the line that I can comfortably say I'm the least excited about. Bert is a way-hot to way-cold kind of guy, Filp has shown flashes of brilliance but IMO has yet to prove himself as a legit second-line center. Hopefully this year is it. Honestly the only thing that hooks me into this line is Franzen but that's because of his individual efforts. By the way, I'm excited to hear that he's feeling as good as he ever has and he's looking forward to tearing it up out there.

Cleary-Modano-Hudler is way sweet to see on the third line. Cleary feels revitalized and provides plenty of grit for a bottom six line. Hudler is definitely more than capable of stomping on the opponent, and Modano, despite being on the cusp of retirement is a story in itself. I expect these guys to get a lot of ice time, and a lot of points (at least for a third line).

Abby-Helm-Eaves is crazy energy and crazy speed. It has been quite a while since I've looked forward to seeing the fourth line on the ice, especially considering there's no enforcer. Just pure energy. Oh, and Abby started boxing.

Really its between the 1st 3rd and 4th lines for me, but I really can't narrow it down. How bout you guys?

[puckbags]

If we can stay healthy and run 4 lines for most of the reg season we are going to be scary come playoff time. The ability to not have to over play our top 6 will be huge come playoffs. I look at all 4 of those lines and have no problem putting any of them out at anytime in any situation.

[mmamolo]

Although I see the OP's point (in a way) about the Bertuzzi - Filppula - Franzen line I think there's the potential for big things from this line because Franzen will garner so much attention from the opposing team. This will create time and space for both Bertuzzi and Filppula. I honestly think we start to see the playoff type point production from Franzen burst into the regular season. Filppula is now surrounded by two big bodies that can crash and bang and create room for him to operate. This line really has the potential to score in bunches. Not to mention they'll be facing the opposing team's secondary defense tandems while Datsyuk - Zetterberg - Holmstrom occupy their first pairing.

[blgillett]

I for one would love to see Babs just keep rolling with all four line. There is a lot of talent from top to bottom of our line up. The more the bottom two lines get at the beginning of the year the more rested the top two lines will be at the end of the year. Going two be lots of fun!

Edited by blgillett, 10 September 2010 - 12:33 PM.

[Carman]

I'm just most excited about our depth really.

But if I had to pick one it has to be the ZDH line. A full year with those guys playing with each other should be great.

[Branton87]

I want big Bert to start using his size but I'm not sure if that will ever happen. Also, I'd like to see him use two hands on the stick more often. He tries to make pretty plays/goals but he should just be concerned about getting goals at all. I never understood why so many Wings fans hate him. I'm excited to see him and Mule and Flip play together. Mule and Bert could make some magical things happen if they play like they did in game 4 against San Jose.

[mindfly]

I think the lines will look different after a few weeks if they dont have a very solid record, babcock loves to change things up

[GoWings1905]

I think the lines will look different after a few weeks if they dont have a very solid record, babcock loves to change things up

Except on defense. He needs to pull the trigger quicker on his defense pairing sometimes.

On topic though, definitely our big line. I want to see Pavel and Z getting back to their offensive form of a few years ago.

Edited by GoWings1905, 10 September 2010 - 01:07 PM.

[esteef]

I'd like to see Modano have some time with Datsyuk at some point during the season.

esteef

[Shady Ultima]

Mule and Bert could make some magical things happen if they play like they did in game 4 against San Jose.

Oh, god yes. They were both amazing. Lets hope that kind of play is more consistent this year.

I think all the lines look good, top to bottom. Our biggest question mark this year is definitely Howard, who may be awesome, or may have a slump. I think he'll do good, because he has one of the best mentors available. Osgood may never get the recognition he deserves, but he is a solid goalie because of his mind game, more so than his physical game. If Howard can take that from him, and never be rattled, the kid will do fine.

Other than goal, as long as we remain relatively healthy, and can play consistently through the entire season, I can see really, really good things for this team.

[T.Low]

I want big Bert to start using his size but I'm not sure if that will ever happen. Also, I'd like to see him use two hands on the stick more often. He tries to make pretty plays/goals but he should just be concerned about getting goals at all. I never understood why so many Wings fans hate him. I'm excited to see him and Mule and Flip play together. Mule and Bert could make some magical things happen if they play like they did in game 4 against San Jose.

I agree and there is indeed something to be excited about each and every line.

This really could be a peak year for Bert, Filp, and Franzen.

Seems there is so much focus on so many different guys this year that Cleary is almost forgotten about and he's as poised as any to have great year, too.

This is going to be one fun year.

[RusDRW]

I want big Bert to start using his size but I'm not sure if that will ever happen. Also, I'd like to see him use two hands on the stick more often. He tries to make pretty plays/goals but he should just be concerned about getting goals at all. I never understood why so many Wings fans hate him. I'm excited to see him and Mule and Flip play together. Mule and Bert could make some magical things happen if they play like they did in game 4 against San Jose.

I would like to add that we have a very skilled and very big line here. These two components can do wonders even without Bert using his size to punish people consistently.

[titanium2]

Bertuzzi-Filp-Franzen is probably the line that I can comfortably say I'm the least excited about. Bert is a way-hot to way-cold kind of guy, Filp has shown flashes of brilliance but IMO has yet to prove himself as a legit second-line center. Hopefully this year is it. Honestly the only thing that hooks me into this line is Franzen but that's because of his individual efforts. By the way, I'm excited to hear that he's feeling as good as he ever has and he's looking forward to tearing it up out there.

Yeah that line definitely has the most question marks. They're mostly on Fil though unfortunately. We've seen him play with confidence every now and again. He's got to play that way for at least 98 games, . Can he play more aggressive on offense? Can he possess the puck with aplomb and be the playmaker? Can he shoot the puck well? All that while maintaining his defensive game?

[ogreslayer]

Personally the line I'm most interested in seeing gel is the Hudler-Modano-Cleary line. That's the "what if..." line for me. What if Hudler proves to be the offensive dynamo everyone thinks he can be? What if the change in scenery energizes Modano? What if Cleary comes through on his promise to make up for last season & plays like a beast? I think it's those 3 that can turn this season into a truly magical one if they all come through.

Edited by ogreslayer, 11 September 2010 - 11:05 AM.

[eva unit zero]

What if Hudler proves to be the offensive dynamo everything thinks he can be?

"What If" that with Hudler centering the second line instead of Filppula?

[soultrain]

"What If" that with Hudler centering the second line instead of Filppula?

i hope huds gets a whole bunch of ice time this season... but iam a lgw poster hence being very pro-huds

[Buppy]

"What If" that with Hudler centering the second line instead of Filppula?

I really doubt he'll center any line (except on the PP maybe) but I am expecting him to at least spend a fair amount of time as a top 6 winger.

[SouthernWingsFan]

Roadrunner-Bugs Bunny-Speedy Gonzalez
Donatello-Leonardo-Raphael
Batman-Superman-Robin
Tails-Sonic-Knuckles

Done.

[McAwesome]

Roadrunner-Bugs Bunny-Speedy Gonzalez
Donatello-Leonardo-Raphael
Batman-Superman-Robin
Tails-Sonic-Knuckles

Done.

No Michelangelo?

[SouthernWingsFan]

No Michelangelo?

It was a very tough decision indeed to keep him out of the lineup. It pained me to do it.