9 replies to this topic

[Gnredwing]

Does anyone else think Abdelkader should be out of the lineup, he is useless, all he does is get his ass kicked when he fights and doesn't do anything offensively. He makes me sick, why he is still in the lineup is beyond me!

[under_par_00]

Because we need centers.

[Crymson]

He's playing center because of a shortfall at that position. He's much more effective as a winger.

Edited by Crymson, 13 April 2012 - 01:19 AM.

[WorkingOvertime]

Did you watch last game?

Abby didn't have a great/noticeable start, but the third line's play in the third was great. He also set up Cleary when the Wings were short-handed, and Cleary could have easily scored.

[b.shanafan14]

He's playing center because of a shortfall at that position. He's much more effective as a winger.

This. Same reason why Emmerton is ALWAYS in over Jan Mursak, center versus winger. Darren Helm truly does make the entire Bottom 6. Without him, you have Abdelkader forced to center and rely on Emmerton in the 4th slot; far from ideal. Lest we forget, the third line with Abdelkader-Helm-Miller was one of our best for a good stretch of the season, before it was disrupted by the brief Franzen demotion and injuries forcing players to be dispersed throughout the lineup.

[Danielsm]

He was killing it in 3rd period faceoffs last night. Something our other wings could not accomplish.

[Z Winged Dangler]

What happened to the Wings great depth at centre then? I know Helm is out, but having Dats and Z on the same line shouldn't kill the lineup.

[b.shanafan14]

What happened to the Wings great depth at centre then? I know Helm is out, but having Dats and Z on the same line shouldn't kill the lineup.

Z and Dats haven't been on the same line except on the powerplay. The Wings do have a decent amount of depth at center when you look at the roster. Filppula, Hudler, and Franzen can all play center. Filppula is too valuable to be centering the third line, they need him with Z. Hudler is far too small to compete and be useful at center on a lower line. Babcock will never demote Franzen to the Bottom 6.

One could actually argue that, aside from the Helm injury, the lack of legitimate, pure scoring wingers in the Top 6 is the biggest issue with the 3rd and 4th lines center position.

[cnot19]

Abdelkader is not the worst guy in the lineup. Hes one of the few wings who will stand up for himself and teammates. If anyone is completely useless its that softie Emmerton who brings nothing to the table.

[SouthernWingsFan]

Abdelkader with Cleary and Nyquil have been a solid 3rd line.

He's also had plenty of experience playing with Miller and/or Holmstrom if the likely 3rd/4th lines at present dry out.