I think it'd be best to just have some more size and physicality throughout the lineup...particularly from skilled top-six players rather than just having another bottom-six banger. Maybe players like Nelson and Lee can play big while also bringing more offense. A transition to players who can play more of a power-forward game rather than a couple of checkers among a land of soft smurfs that we've seen over the years here.
- UIF

Of course it would but the reality is this team really isn't built that way IMO. Can Lee & Nelson be those guys? I guess but as of now the only bangers we have our Martin & Clutterbuck

I think at the end of the day he's a fourth liner and very replaceable. I like that he's homegrown and I'd prefer to keep him, but I certainly won't call for Garth's head and/or think that it's going to have a significant impact on the team should he be shown the door.
- eichiefs9

I won't be calling for Garth's head... For that at least . I like him(not Garth). He's been the #1 hitter in the league a few years now. I'm not over valuing that stat before you go there I just think some may be undervaluing it a bit. Granted a lot of those hits last season were not as memorable/effective as they seemed in previous but i still feel he was at times a very effective player. I do remember for a about a month he was definitely less visible. That line as a whole was disappointing last season.

I won't be calling for Garth's head... For that at least . I like him(not Garth). He's been the #1 hitter in the league a few years now. I'm not over valuing that stat before you go there I just think some may be undervaluing it a bit. Granted a lot of those hits last season were not as memorable/effective as they seemed in previous but i still feel he was at times a very effective player. I do remember for a about a month he was definitely less visible. That line as a whole was disappointing last season.
- Cptmjl

Like someone pointed out, I think they were being relied upon too much to play a defensive role and not the energy role that they should be playing. All they really need to do is go out there, chip the puck in deep and rattle some bones/get under the other teams' skin. Get the boys on the bench riled up and keep the fans energy level elevated. And don't screw up. Once they start matching opposing lines with these guys, they're cooked.

Hopefully with Frans falling back to a 3rd line center position, that line can be relied on to check other teams top lines and have less pressure to create scoring. Like I've pushed before, center depth is a major factor and right now we have it in spades.

I won't be calling for Garth's head... For that at least . I like him(not Garth). He's been the #1 hitter in the league a few years now. I'm not over valuing that stat before you go there I just think some may be undervaluing it a bit. Granted a lot of those hits last season were not as memorable/effective as they seemed in previous but i still feel he was at times a very effective player. I do remember for a about a month he was definitely less visible. That line as a whole was disappointing last season.
- Cptmjl

Agreed. Hitting a guy a second after he releases the puck or two seconds after he releases the puck doesn't wear down the body and different. He needs to be better then last year but he is the least of their problems

Of course it would but the reality is this team really isn't built that way IMO. Can Lee & Nelson be those guys? I guess but as of now the only bangers we have our Martin & Clutterbuck
- Vukota

I think there's a chance to have some pretty good grit along the wings this season compared to past ones if all of Tavares-Grabovski-Nielsen-Cizikas stick around as centers. Nelson and Okposo don't play "soft" games. Kulemin on the second line, while not a checker, works hard along the boards and doesn't shy away from physical battles, and the same could be said for Lee wherever he ends up. Then one of Clutterbuck and Martin on the fourth line if we assume they move one out.

That leaves you with Strome, Grabner and Bailey (among some other extras) that maybe you wouldn't consider as guys that thrive in physical battles along the boards. Not too bad. I think the days of score-off-the-rush-or-bust might hopefully be coming to an end.

Like someone pointed out, I think they were being relied upon too much to play a defensive role and not the energy role that they should be playing. All they really need to do is go out there, chip the puck in deep and rattle some bones/get under the other teams' skin. Get the boys on the bench riled up and keep the fans energy level elevated. And don't screw up. Once they start matching opposing lines with these guys, they're cooked.

Hopefully with Frans falling back to a 3rd line center position, that line can be relied on to check other teams top lines and have less pressure on creating scoring. Like I've pushed before, center depth is a major factor and right now we have it in spades.
- eichiefs9

Like someone pointed out, I think they were being relied upon too much to play a defensive role and not the energy role that they should be playing. All they really need to do is go out there, chip the puck in deep and rattle some bones/get under the other teams' skin. Get the boys on the bench riled up and keep the fans energy level elevated. And don't screw up. Once they start matching opposing lines with these guys, they're cooked.

Hopefully with Frans falling back to a 3rd line center position, that line can be relied on to check other teams top centers and have less pressure on creating scoring. Like I've pushed before, center depth is a major factor and right now we have it in spades.
- eichiefs9

I think there's some truth to that. Just keep the puck deep for the next line when it's their time and smash some bodies. Pot the occasional goal. That's all I want out of them.

I think there's a chance to have some pretty good grit along the wings this season compared to past ones if all of Tavares-Grabovski-Nielsen-Cizikas stick around as centers. Nelson and Okposo don't play "soft" games. Kulemin on the second line, while not a checker, works hard along the boards and doesn't shy away from physical battles, and the same could be said for Lee wherever he ends up. Then one of Clutterbuck and Martin on the fourth line if we assume they move one out.

That leaves you with Strome, Grabner and Bailey (among some other extras) that maybe you wouldn't consider as guys that thrive in physical battles along the boards. Not too bad. I think the days of score-off-the-rush-or-bust might hopefully be coming to an end.
- UIF

I agree but I also think having a 4th line with Martin & Clutterbuck is a good thing Colin McDonald is done. I'm curious about Conacher. He has to play top 6 minutes to be effective for this team and I just don't see a spot for him. He is feisty and has some skill but isn't cut out for a bottom 6 role IMO

First place in metro will require more than One good defenseman. Dennis Potvin in his prime wouldnt be enough for this team to compete for 1st place. At present, we are a bubble playoff contender at best. Goal differential needs a huge improvement.
- jmo16

You are right. But honestly all the good teams in this league are developing their own

I think there's some truth to that. Just keep the puck deep for the next line when it's their time and smash some bodies. Pot the occasional goal. That's all I want out of them.
- Cptmjl

If they can hem the other team in down low in their own zone that's when you can yank one of them off the ice and throw Tavares out there and try and create a scoring opportunity while the opponent is getting tired. It's what leads to them taking penalties or making a careless turnover. If they can effectively wear the other team's players down for 30 seconds and get off the ice, they've done their job.

The injury thing is overblown. Off his four major injuries three were major penalties leading in suspensions and the fourth someone fell on his shoulder socket. The injury he suffered against Ovechkin last year was not serious and he could have played if the games meant anything. Honestly he has had some poop luck
- Dan Petriw

When We drafted him I brought up his injury history (and was crushed for it by the way). He has since gotten hurt EVERY year since that time. He refers to himself as Mr. Glass... when it is 6 years in a row I don't see how it can be described as overblown.. sorry Dan.

I agree. This team is still pretty soft and you need a couple of guys like Martin & Clutterbuck to wear down the other team. I have a feeling he will bounce back. Lots more competition for spots now so nobody should come in feeling like they have a spot locked up outside of a few on the top lines
- Vukota

It will be nice when some of these prospects on the Backline make the team. it would help to have some size on the back line too.

It will be nice when some of these prospects on the Backline make the team. it would help to have some size on the back line too.
- niteislander

Absolutely. Best thing about them is a bunch of them are 6'2-6'4

When We drafted him I brought up his injury history (and was crushed for it by the way). He has since gotten hurt EVERY year since that time. He refers to himself as Mr. Glass... when it is 6 years in a row I don't see how it can be described as overblown.. sorry Dan.
- niteislander

He was healthy last year. That injury was playable and he was held out cause the games were meaningless.. I think it's overblown. He isn't getting hurt blocking a backhander. It's ok we can disagree I'm more concerned about hammers 3 concussions in the past three years

I was actually more upset with Martin. I loved him when he first joined the team. Then he caught the Josh Bailey sickness.
- JimmyP

The Matt Martin bashing really has gotten a bit out of hand. He leads the LEAGUE in hits every year.. Including last year. Drops gloves with ANYONE in league. Kills penalties and is a 4th line player who had 8 goals ... His skating was better last year and seems to be improving every year. Did he have a few bad games.. Yes. Did he have a terrible year? no.. there were times where our 4th line was only one playing worth Crap last year.

Bailey sickness? When has Bailey every Hit anyone? fought anyone? killed penaltie? crashed the net?

Little over the top.. no?

The Matt Martin bashing really has gotten a bit out of hand. He leads the LEAGUE in hits every year.. Including last year. Drops gloves with ANYONE in league. Kills penalties and is a 4th line player who had 8 goals ... His skating was better last year and seems to be improving every year. Did he have a few bad games.. Yes. Did he have a terrible year? no.. there were times where our 4th line was only one playing worth Crap last year.

Bailey sickness? When has Bailey every Hit anyone? fought anyone? killed penaltie? crashed the net?

Little over the top.. no?
- niteislander

He was healthy last year. That injury was playable and he was held out cause the games were meaningless.. I think it's overblown. He isn't getting hurt blocking a backhander. It's ok we can disagree I'm more concerned about hammers 4 concussions in the past four years
- Dan Petriw

That is something I am also very worried about...

Dehaan was my story where I embarassed myself at a Season ticket holder event. There were kids handing out Autographed player cards wearing isles golf shirts. I did not realize it was him... figured it was Isles sales guys. He handed me the Dehaan card and I asked.. "with this fken kid every stay healthy?" .. he handled it well... I am an idiot.

The Matt Martin bashing really has gotten a bit out of hand. He leads the LEAGUE in hits every year.. Including last year. Drops gloves with ANYONE in league. Kills penalties and is a 4th line player who had 8 goals ... His skating was better last year and seems to be improving every year. Did he have a few bad games.. Yes. Did he have a terrible year? no.. there were times where our 4th line was only one playing worth Crap last year.

Bailey sickness? When has Bailey every Hit anyone? fought anyone? killed penaltie? crashed the net?

Little over the top.. no?
- niteislander

Martin and his whole line were awful last season.. Hits are nice but he used to hit the puck carrier more. I don't think it was a bailey sickness, I think he was too comfy playing hockey. And I also think cappy used the fourth line wayyyy to much. I'm not writing him off but he has something to prove this season

That is something I am also very worried about...

Dehaan was my story where I embarassed myself at a Season ticket holder event. There were kids handing out Autographed player cards wearing isles golf shirts. I did not realize it was him... figured it was Isles sales guys. He handed me the Dehaan card and I asked.. "with this fken kid every stay healthy?" .. he handled it well... I am an idiot.
- niteislander

Well done!!! It's ok I asked Kenny Johnson for an auto and handed him a mats Sundin photo.. That got awkward fast

Absolutely. Best thing about them is a bunch of them are 6'2-6'4
- Vukota

Between Reinhardt, Mayfield, Pedan, Pelech and Leduc.. the lot of them are at least 6-4... Huge kids. Can't wait till a couple are on the team. Church is 6-3 too.. .Monsters!

Well done!!! It's ok I asked Kenny Johnson for an auto and handed him a mats Sundin photo.. That got awkward fast
- Dan Petriw

hahahah.. nice. worst part with CDH was he handled it well while the other kids were crying laughing. Once I realized what I did I look at the other kids and it was Strome, Brock, Donovan... etc. Strome was killing him... Hey Mr. Glass who is your buddy?

Cizikas didn't look as effective last year compared to the prior years. I'll be OK if he gets a modest raise but he needs to play with that edge again.
- JimmyP

that's all Capuanos fault. . I think Cizikas has way more to offer. I think we are grossly underutilizing him. Cizikas could be a Callahan type if given the chance.

Martin and his whole line were awful last season.. Hits are nice but he used to hit the puck carrier more. I don't think it was a bailey sickness, I think he was too comfy playing hockey. And I also think cappy used the fourth line wayyyy to much. I'm not writing him off but he has something to prove this season
- Dan Petriw

If you take out the First sentence I agree with this whole statement.

I agree, why would anyone bash Martin he is the man.
Colin Mcdonald was the problem with 4th line. He sucked on every line. for the 3 games after being benched he played well he stunk it up rest of year.

He is slow, and lead all isles win worst Minus rating. He bellows in AHL.

Btw, if a two way contract isn't motivation. what is Donovans problem. He makes 80K in AHL vs 800K in NHL. wake up.

I found more fault with Clutterbuck's game than MM. Many Many times he shot the puck when a much better option was available.