49 replies to this topic

[55fan]

Emmerton is terrible and yes we do have someone else who has played center before in his career... DREW MILLER!!!

Here are what I think the lines should be:

Datsyuk- Zetty- Homer
Franzen-Fil-Hudler
Cleary-Abdelkator-Bertuzzi
Conner-Miller-Nyqust

- Solid top line and pavel can't win faceoffs because his wrist is injured and him playing with hank is way better then useless Franzen. Also Homer was fantastic last game and the Wings top 2 lines were lacking consistent net front presence all game- - Homer will provide that
- Solid 2nd line that has worked magic in the past
- solid 3rd line checking line that was amazing last year in the playoffs. The addition of Bert really solidifies the line imo
- Miller can center the 4th line and he would have 2 speedy Wingers to work with... this could be a really good energetic line for Mike Babcock

I think these lines would be our best.

At first glance, I scoffed and said, "yeah, and his brother is a goalie, put him in there too."

But then I read and I find your logic and reasoning to be good. If I weren't out of plusses, I'd plus you.

I wouldn't use that setup during the playoffs, but given that this is the post-season and everyone is playing (or should be playing) a new game, I say "bring it!"

[mmamolo]

Anyone please correct me if I'm wrong, but taking a winger who has no experience at playing center and putting him in that position will mean a very hard time for him. There's more to playing center than just taking faceoffs.

He didn't play Emmerton much because Helm's injury made Emmerton pointless. Emmerton was in the lineup so that Abdelkader could play on the wing. When Abdelkader was moved up to center the 3rd line, Emmerton became irrelevant.

Sheahan isn't ready for the NHL yet. Andersson would fit better.

Some common misconceptions need to be cleared up in this thread (I think):

1. Sheahan is absolutely eligible to play in the playoffs because the Wings already owned his rights. It is similar to how the Rangers signed Chris Kreider (who spent the season with boston College) to an ELC. In fact, Kreider signed the contract after the last regular season games had been played. Both Kreider and Sheahan are eligible.

2. It is true that there is a lot more to playing centre than just taking face-offs. However, all three forwards (in the defensive zone) will rotate depending on how the other team is cycling the puck. At any given time you may see Zetterberg switch off with either Filppula or Hudler. The only difference is that a more concerted effort will be made to get the true centre back down low when a switch with a lesser capable winger has been made (i.e. hudler). If Zetterberg rotates with Filppula then they more often not don't even try to switch back.

So a fourth line all all wingers is definitely possible. I don't think it will happen but in tonight's game watch and see how many times Miller and Emmerton rotate positions in the D-zone. Most coaches stay away from an all winger 4th line because in today's NHL with the no change icing it is far too easy to get caught on the ice.

3. Emmerton was not in the line up (Game 1) so that Abdelkader could play the wing. Abdelkader started as the fourth line centre with Emmerton and Holmstrom as his wingers. Emmerton was in the line up in case Helm reaggrevated his knee. Then the rest is history.

Edited by mmamolo, 13 April 2012 - 08:30 AM.

[cnot19]

I would love to see Emmerton sit. Sheahan would be my number one choice to replace him. I dont know why Emmerton has remained in the lineup. He doesnt play center very well.

[GoalieManPat]

I didnt see it mentioned but did Babs say what line Nyquist is on? If hes not playing with skill players then I dont think he is the best option to come in. He doesnt play as well in the bottom two as grinding isnt his playing style.

[SouthernHockeyHoney]

All the potential line combinations make me dizzy. BUT, Isn't Hudler a "natural center" also? Could he center a third line with Abdelkader on the wing?

Edited by SouthernHockeyHoney, 13 April 2012 - 10:51 AM.

[dteowner]

I would love to see Emmerton sit. Sheahan would be my number one choice to replace him. I dont know why Emmerton has remained in the lineup. He doesnt play center very well.

This is the problem with the Wings' "overripe" approach. Emmerton has shown enough that they want to hang on to him, but they waited until he was completely out of minors eligibility to find out. They need to let a prospect go thru his rookie growing pains while they've still got options. Otherwise, you discover a kid's a borderline NHLer but you're stuck keeping him on the big league roster because you'll lose him on waivers.

[3secondsleft]

Nyquists versatility makes him valuable. He can also play a somewhat physical style!

[Z Winged Dangler]

All the potential line combinations make me dizzy. BUT, Isn't Hudler a "natural center" also? Could he center a third line with Abdelkader on the wing?

Hudler is WAY too slow to play centre. But if it meant that Nyquist jumped on the Z-Flip line and Hudler quit bogging it down with his slowness and lack of creativity, i'd be all for it. Gus should be in the top 6, he's speedy and creative.

[WorkingOvertime]

All the potential line combinations make me dizzy. BUT, Isn't Hudler a "natural center" also? Could he center a third line with Abdelkader on the wing?

Abby has been good on faceoffs, but he isn't as effective physically when he has to have a defense first mentality. With that said, I think he would be good centering a more skilled line that is more puck control and less dump-and-chase.

[Z Winged Dangler]

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom
Nyquist-Filppula-Franzen
Bertuzzi-Abdelkader-Hudler
Miller-Emmerton-Cleary

I think this gives the best possible spread with Helm out. Here's why:

-Loading up on the first line completely occupies the Weber/Suter pairing, and by throwing Holmstrom in there you KNOW one of them is tied up out front of the net and screening Rinne even more.
-The second line has all kinds of skill and can score-Franzen and Nyquist have shown that they work well and that line will be hard to match.
-The third line gives you some grit and skill - Hudler can be effective down here on the third line as he will have more time and space and he's with two big bodied guys - this line depends on Hudler elevating his game and being the go to guy with the puck.
-The fourth line is pretty solid considering Cleary played like a man possessed last night and looked great. This line gives you a good grinding line that will be responsible with the puck. Its not anchored anymore by Holmstrom and can crash and bang as needed.

A lot of people are saying that it makes sense to have Franzen or Fil play 3rd line center, but I think this gives you the most bang for your buck. Emmerton can handle 4th line duties-albeit he won't win you games but I think that fourth line won't lose you any either.

This. Followed by a game 2 and eventual series win.