Lines Thread

[joesuffP 1,746]

Trading some dead weight would do wonders for this team. The old men have got to go. Guys like Bert bring down Datsyuk and Zetterberg for the sake of putting him somewhere he isn't a liability. Which is ridiculous. A line of Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Franzen could match up and out score anybody come playoff time I believe. All the components are there for good secondary scoring but could get roasted by a team like Chicago and LA

[RedWang 422]

Poor tatar gets the s*** end of the stick with weiss n bert...

[joesuffP 1,746]

Poor tatar gets the s*** end of the stick with weiss n bert...

That line should be able to be productive but all evidence has shown that it won't. I wouldn't put both Tatar and Nyquist in the top 6 but you could swap one or the other

What about Abby-Weiss-Tatar?. Problem is nobody is very good at controlling the puck. We need to trade like 4 useless bottom 6ers for an effective bottom 6er it would make the lines look a lot nicer

[RedWang 422]

That line should be able to be productive but all evidence has shown that it won't. I wouldn't put both Tatar and Nyquist in the top 6 but you could swap one or the other

What about Abby-Weiss-Tatar?. Problem is nobody is very good at controlling the puck. We need to trade like 4 useless bottom 6ers for an effective bottom 6er it would make the lines look a lot nicer

If weiss could just get his s*** together all the problems were having coukd be solved!

[joesuffP 1,746]

Okay, I know we have a lot of injuries but what is with that 2nd PP unit? How many times do they have to consistently get zero time in the offensive zone for some changes to be made. It boggles the mind why Smith is not getting power play time. Does Babs want him to stop being an offensive defensemen? Sammy is a forward with a good shot who likes to shoot. Let's play him as far away from the goal as possible so his wrist shot is a non factor where he can be a liability defensively. Then he blames Sammy and scratches him. The PP sucks because he thinks Datsyuk=Nyquist, Alfie=Sammy, Kronwall=Kindl. This is just one of the glaring mistakes Babs is making. The lines are complete garbage every night. He just keeps beating a dead horse

I just pray there are some scratches and some people are called up from GR. Throw somebody in and see if they can handle it.

[dat's sick 1,002]

Okay, I know we have a lot of injuries but what is with that 2nd PP unit? How many times do they have to consistently get zero time in the offensive zone for some changes to be made. It boggles the mind why Smith is not getting power play time. Does Babs want him to stop being an offensive defensemen? Sammy is a forward with a good shot who likes to shoot. Let's play him as far away from the goal as possible so his wrist shot is a non factor where he can be a liability defensively. Then he blames Sammy and scratches him. The PP sucks because he thinks Datsyuk=Nyquist, Alfie=Sammy, Kronwall=Kindl. This is just one of the glaring mistakes Babs is making. The lines are complete garbage every night. He just keeps beating a dead horse

I just pray there are some scratches and some people are called up from GR. Throw somebody in and see if they can handle it.

Kindl and Sammy on the point is disgusting. Nyquist makes mostly good things with the puck but both him and Tatar have been guilty of trying too many difficult plays that get broken up. Cleary of course adds nothing and is great at giving the puck to someone who is covered by two guys.

Definitely agree Smith needs to get a chance. He's got good instincts and I even think he could be good at carrying the puck into the offensive zone and establishing pressure.

We also need Weiss to find his game so he can center that 2nd unit. Until then I think Helm should do it.

[adg123 2]

Seeing Sheahan play so good tonight it made me struggle to think how our lines would look with everyond healthy.

Z Dats Abdelkader
Nyquist Weiss Franzen
Tatar Helm Alfie
Glendenning Sheahan Miller

I don't know if the cap hits etc would work, just trying to think of who I want to see play. A part of me wanted Jurco in, but I think staying a GR could help for the rest of the season and strongly consider him next year. I know Glendenning is a centre, but Babs likes him and he brings an energy so I slotted him in, but I think Shehan's been great so wanted him a C. Also, I know Alfie is on the 3rd line, but weren't he Helm and Tatar playing well together? I guess Alfie and Abdelkader could switch and it would work just as well if not better.

What does everyone else want to see with a fully healthy roster?

[Guest mjtm77]

Agree. If Alfie and Abby switched that would be dangerous. This all depends on if Weiss can play hockey or if he's a waste of space

[Dabura 12,207]

Datsyuk may return against Chicago. Discuss.

[RedWang 422]

Datsyuk may return against Chicago. Discuss.

Doubt it. Even if he did play his conditioning will be nonexistent. Remember how cold and just "off" Pav was last time coming back from injury? Gustavsson will start in net but our piss poor defense will s*** the bed as usual and we'll lose 4-1 again...throw that in with how absolutely on fore crawford has been lately and we, my friend, are s*** outta luck.

My 2 cents. Truly hoping im wrong, but wont be surprised if im not. CHI just beat Anaheim and Boston, something we prolly couldnt ever do given our current lineup.

Edit: Also, let me just say that our first line of Abby Z Nyq is terribad. (Our PPG tonight doesnt factor into the 5v5) Not producing anything at all. Nyquist can stay but Abby is not a first liner and he never will be. As a first line their play has been awful. Get him out of there. Jurco has been getting great looks and making stuff happen. If Pasha does end up playing I dont understand why we wont see:

Z Datsyuk Jurco

Nyquist Sheahan Tatar

Miller Helm Abby

Bert Glend Eaves

That is a much more offensively threatening lineup. With pure scoring in the top 6, and speed/grit/checking in the bottom end. None of this Babcock balanced lineup garbage thats perpetually losing us games (26/49 games held under 3 goals) Unbelievable.

Edited January 21, 2014 by RedWang

[nyqvististhefuture 1,002]

I think Kenny needs to find a way to get rid of some bodies ... I think sheahan is playing himself on this team , not cause he's getting points but also cause he plays well defensively and is a young big body guy which we don't have

[Dabura 12,207]

Doubt it. Even if he did play his conditioning will be nonexistent. Remember how cold and just "off" Pav was last time coming back from injury? Gustavsson will start in net but our piss poor defense will s*** the bed as usual and we'll lose 4-1 again...throw that in with how absolutely on fore crawford has been lately and we, my friend, are s*** outta luck.

My 2 cents. Truly hoping im wrong, but wont be surprised if im not. CHI just beat Anaheim and Boston, something we prolly couldnt ever do given our current lineup.

Edit: Also, let me just say that our first line of Abby Z Nyq is terribad. (Our PPG tonight doesnt factor into the 5v5) Not producing anything at all. Nyquist can stay but Abby is not a first liner and he never will be. As a first line their play has been awful. Get him out of there. Jurco has been getting great looks and making stuff happen. If Pasha does end up playing I dont understand why we wont see:

Z Datsyuk Jurco

Nyquist Sheahan Tatar

Miller Helm Abby

Bert Glend Eaves

That is a much more offensively threatening lineup. With pure scoring in the top 6, and speed/grit/checking in the bottom end. None of this Babcock balanced lineup garbage thats perpetually losing us games (26/49 games held under 3 goals) Unbelievable.

Yeah, I'm not expecting Dats back, tbh. And even if we do get him back, I expect him to be rusty and distracted by Sochi. Wonderful.

But I like your lineup! The first line is an idea I've been really keen on for the past week or so, and the second line is something I've thought about over the past couple of days. (I like how I just turned complimenting you into patting my own back. I'm talented like that.)

I like that Sheahan has shown he can be a serviceable top-six center, at least in a short-term situation. That opens up some intriguing possibilities now and perhaps down the road when (if?) we get healthier.

It'll be funny/sad/maddening when we get our injured back but we're still unhappy because Sheahan and Jurco will be sent down, because Grampa Babbles needs moar everydayers who play Real Good! and Heavy! for us every day.

[kipwinger 8,524]

I don't like Nyquist in the top six. He's not producing and I don't think he's ready physically to play against the league's top forwards. When (if) guys get healthy I'd like to see him dropped down the depth chart, or preferably packaged with our first for a winger with some size for the top six.

[DickieDunn 2,571]

I don't like Nyquist in the top six. He's not producing and I don't think he's ready physically to play against the league's top forwards. When (if) guys get healthy I'd like to see him dropped down the depth chart, or preferably packaged with our first for a winger with some size for the top six.

He's scoring at the same pace as Tatar

[RedWang 422]

He's scoring at the same pace as Tatar

While playing on the top line, on zetterbergs wing, on the first PP. While Tats is usually on the 3rd line with miller/andy and the 2nd PP. With less ice time.

Them scoring at the same pace actually proves the opposite of your intended point. Imho.

[DickieDunn 2,571]

While playing on the top line, on zetterbergs wing, on the first PP. While Tats is usually on the 3rd line with miller/andy and the 2nd PP. With less ice time.

Them scoring at the same pace actually proves the opposite of your intended point. Imho.

He's also on the line that's the focus of the other team's defensive efforts almost playing a man short because everyone who has been tried on their other wing has been completely ineffective, while Tatar is playing against lesser competition with 2 linemates that actually do something positive.

[RedWang 422]

He's also on the line that's the focus of the other team's defensive efforts almost playing a man short because everyone who has been tried on their other wing has been completely ineffective, while Tatar is playing against lesser competition with 2 linemates that actually do something positive.

Zetterberg is hardly less effective than miller/andy. The way I see it, Tatar is doing more with less, whilst Nyquist is doing less with more.

Id say put em both on the 2nd line and let em boost eachothers stats at a happy medium of opposing defense. Youknow what i meeeeean?

[Cloune 270]

points defenders - 19.1.2014

Anaheim 97
Boston 92
Buffalo 60
Calgary 83
Carolina 63
Chicago 140 !!!
Colorado 93
Columbus 104
Dallas 72
Detroit 80
Edmonton 63
Florida 68
LA 84
Minnesota 79
Montreal 95
Nashville 85
Devils 88
Islanders 75
Rangers 70
Ottawa 117
Flyers 84
Phoenix 109
Pittsburgh 95
San Jose 103
St. Louis 128
Tampa 94
Toronto 86
Vancouver 96
Washington 78
Winnipeg 103

[Dabura 12,207]

I don't like Nyquist in the top six. He's not producing and I don't think he's ready physically to play against the league's top forwards. When (if) guys get healthy I'd like to see him dropped down the depth chart, or preferably packaged with our first for a winger with some size for the top six.

The big reason why I think this should happen is that two of our "next big thing" prospects are also very smallish (Pulkkinen and Jarnkrok), and one of them (Jarnkrok) is already struggling size-wise. We really do need a big mean body in the top six. But who?

[RedWang 422]

Lol at how silly our defense point are. If you take away kronners 30 pts, thats 50 points divided by the other what, 6 guys? Weak sauce.

Chicagos defense is insane. But notice how Ottowa is at 117! Entirely because of Eric Karlsson and his 50 points. These stats are kindof flawed imo, because one player can make a huge difference, and completely change the defensive production of the team as a whole. But regardless, they do ring pretty true to the standings for the most part.

The big reason why I think this should happen is that two of our "next big thing" prospects are also very smallish (Pulkkinen and Jarnkrok), and one of them (Jarnkrok) is already struggling size-wise. We really do need a big mean body in the top six. But who?

Anthony Mantha. Our next big thing!

I just want a power forward. Nash, vanek? Idk whos even available in the upcoming ufa class. We need to make a big trade for some power scoring.

[Dabura 12,207]

He's also on the line that's the focus of the other team's defensive efforts almost playing a man short because everyone who has been tried on their other wing has been completely ineffective, while Tatar is playing against lesser competition with 2 linemates that actually do something positive.

I think you're reaching.

But I'm with RedWang. Ideally, we keep them both, maybe play them on the same line. It's really too early to say one is much better than the other. If we need to part with a valuable piece, though, I'd be more comfortable parting with Nyquist. I think Nyquist has a lower point ceiling, tbh.

[RedWang 422]

I think you're reaching.

But I'm with RedWang. Ideally, we keep them both, maybe play them on the same line. It's really too early to say one is much better than the other. If we need to part with a valuable piece, though, I'd be more comfortable parting with Nyquist. I think Nyquist has a lower point ceiling, tbh.

I can honestly say ive watched every single game this season, and i definitely agree that Tatar has a much higher point ceiling. He has that type of skill and finesse that only truly great players have. In 5 years or less he'll be a leader on the team and one its leading scorers for years to come. Book it.

[Dabura 12,207]

Lol at how silly our defense point are. If you take away kronners 30 pts, thats 50 points divided by the other what, 6 guys? Weak sauce.

I actually think this is the single biggest thing that separates this Wings team from past ones. Which is to say, it's our biggest shortcoming.

Beyond Kronwall, we've got nothing coming from the back end. Nothing. That starts with bad puck management in our own zone, continues with our ugly transitions (really missing those brilliant first-passes) into neutral ice, and carries over into the offensive zone, where, for whatever reason, we struggle mightily just to hit the net from the points.

I imagine The Powers That Be were expecting more from, well, everyone not named Kronwall. But definitely our other offensive defensemen in Smith and Kindl.

As for Mantha - man, I want to believe he has a shot in the near future. But he has a long way to go. How long? Like, our-core-will-be-ancient-if-not-entirely-gone-by-the-time-he-really-breaks-through long.

[DickieDunn 2,571]

Lol at how silly our defense point are. If you take away kronners 30 pts, thats 50 points divided by the other what, 6 guys? Weak sauce.

Chicagos defense is insane. But notice how Ottowa is at 117! Entirely because of Eric Karlsson and his 50 points. These stats are kindof flawed imo, because one player can make a huge difference, and completely change the defensive production of the team as a whole. But regardless, they do ring pretty true to the standings for the most part.

Anthony Mantha. Our next big thing!

I just want a power forward. Nash, vanek? Idk whos even available in the upcoming ufa class. We need to make a big trade for some power scoring.

If you think Vanek is a power forward, you need a new definition of power forward.

I can honestly say ive watched every single game this season, and i definitely agree that Tatar has a much higher point ceiling. He has that type of skill and finesse that only truly great players have. In 5 years or less he'll be a leader on the team and one its leading scorers for years to come. Book it.

I see them both hitting about 55-60 points regularly when they're establilshed. Tatar will score more goals, Nyquist will have more assists and be better defensively. Tatar is more dynamic and emotional, Nyquist steadier and more cerebral.

Edited January 21, 2014 by DickieDunn

[RedWang 422]

In response to your pwer forward comment, i just meant as available goal scorers in the upcoming FA pool. Ive never watched vanek, my mistake, i thought he was of the power forward variety.

Edit: That being said, Dabura ur good with this type of thing. Gimme a list of power forwards we could trade for/acquire! GO!

Edited January 21, 2014 by RedWang