I don't know anything about Bellemare, so I agree with the unknown. - SuperSchennBros
He's a 29 year old guy who has had a decent amount of success and has been a good player in the higher levels of European Elite leagues. He's very likely to be a capable third liner in the NHL.
I'd rather have a guy who has shown he can play at a decent level than the same old, same old limited goons and guys who can't play
He's a 29 year old guy who has had a decent amount of success and has been a good player in the higher levels of European Elite leagues. He's very likely to be a capable third liner in the NHL.
I'd rather have a guy who has shown he can play at a decent level than the same old, same old limited goons and guys who can't play - Jsaquella
He's a 29 year old guy who has had a decent amount of success and has been a good player in the higher levels of European Elite leagues. He's very likely to be a capable third liner in the NHL.
I'd rather have a guy who has shown he can play at a decent level than the same old, same old limited goons and guys who can't play - Jsaquella
Truthfully we don't know how he will produce (more so then the normal question marks for any player) which is why I would like to pencil him on for fourth line and move him up as appropriate. What I would like to see and many here sound in support is a fourth line of players that can play hard minutes in a game. A fourth line as I suggested of
Belle-Vinny-Winnik (Rinaldo in all lieklyhood)
Could play 11-12 minutes a night. What they won't do is police the ice or fight a staged fight or even fight to create momentum. This is where we miss a player like Talbot (preinjuries).
For me, I'd like to see Schenn play wing full-time. It's true that he's never really had an extended look at center so he's never established his game but in the time he's spent in the middle I haven't been that impressed. G, Couturier, and Laughton look to be far more natural centers. And if Vinny is on the team (which looks like a sure thing) he needs to be at center. It's possible to improve in the faceoff dot, like Giroux has, but Schenn has been god awful there. And you can't have a weak link like that in your top-6. Couturier hasn't been great either but atleast he flashes potential in the dot. Even Raffl was better the few games he played in the middle. Schenn just looks like a winger to me and I think it's time to put him in one position and let him grow. Moving all over, up and down the lineup, isn't exactly ideal for a 22-year old. IMO it has stunted him a little.
Obviously you let camp and the preseason determine how the lineup shakes out but it's clear that G-Coots-Lecavalier need to be at center. I'd let Laughton spend atleast the start of the season with the Phantoms and resign Hall for 4th line duty. Having a guy who's great in the dot and a solid penalty killer never hurts. Also, Umberger has the ability to slide over if necessary, though it's not ideal.
Truthfully we don't know how he will produce (more so then the normal question marks for any player) which is why I would like to pencil him on for fourth line and move him up as appropriate. What I would like to see and many here sound in support is a fourth line of players that can play hard minutes in a game. A fourth line as I suggested of
Belle-Vinny-Winnik (Rinaldo in all lieklyhood)
Could play 11-12 minutes a night. What they won't do is police the ice or fight a staged fight or even fight to create momentum. This is where we miss a player like Talbot (preinjuries). - coffee junkie
Absolutely. I think it's likely he could be a third liner, but I'm not expecting him to be more than a 4th liner. If he's more than that, it's a bonus.
They also have guys like Blair Jones who can reasonably be expected to be able to handle a 4th line job
For me, I'd like to see Schenn play wing full-time. It's true that he's never really had an extended look at center so he's never established his game but in the time he's spent in the middle I haven't been that impressed. G, Couturier, and Laughton look to be far more natural centers. And if Vinny is on the team (which looks like a sure thing) he needs to be at center. It's possible to improve in the faceoff dot, like Giroux has, but Schenn has been god awful there. And you can't have a weak link like that in your top-6. Couturier hasn't been great either but atleast he flashes potential in the dot. Even Raffl was better the few games he played in the middle. Schenn just looks like a winger to me and I think it's time to put him in one position and let him grow. Moving all over, up and down the lineup, isn't exactly ideal for a 22-year old. IMO it has stunted him a little.
Obviously you let camp and the preseason determine how the lineup shakes out but it's clear that G-Coots-Lecavalier need to be at center. I'd let Laughton spend atleast the start of the season with the Phantoms and resign Hall for 4th line duty. Having a guy who's great in the dot and a solid penalty killer never hurts. Also, Umberger has the ability to slide over if necessary, though it's not ideal. - phillyphanatic
Fair enough. I'm starting to feel like if Laughton doesn't prove capable of carrying a third line center spot in camp he goes to the AHL. If he does the slide Vinny to 4th line. I too would bring back Hall since they won't know until camp and he provides a lot of what we need to maintain.
Absolutely. I think it's likely he could be a third liner, but I'm not expecting him to be more than a 4th liner. If he's more than that, it's a bonus.
They also have guys like Blair Jones who can reasonably be expected to be able to handle a 4th line job - Jsaquella
We're on the same page with that. What about a fourth line that doesn't police the ice? Interesting topic. What is the purpose of a fourth line league wide? Could it be changed to find an advantage?
We're on the same page with that. What about a fourth line that doesn't police the ice? Interesting topic. What is the purpose of a fourth line league wide? Could it be changed to find an advantage? - coffee junkie
I think you need grit throughout the line up. I think Simmonds, Schenn and Laughton(assuming he makes the team) can provide grit and toughness in the top 9. Do you need a fighter? I don't see it as necessary, but you need team toughness and guys who have each other's back.
There's also Grossmann and Luke Schenn on defense, both of whom are capable of fighting and bringing grit. I'm open to a 4th line that can go out, play in any situation and be gritty, far more than a 4th line whose sole role is policing.
We're on the same page with that. What about a fourth line that doesn't police the ice? Interesting topic. What is the purpose of a fourth line league wide? Could it be changed to find an advantage? - coffee junkie
A 4th line shouldn't be about policing the ice. A 4th line should be about going out, playing solid 2 way Hockey. I'd like to see a 4th line that can be trusted to play in late game situations when the team has a lead. Rather then shortening the bench in that situation.
I have had about enough of Rinaldo. Between him and Downie they had to be tied for the team in taking the absolute worst penalties on the team. Might be on an island of one on this but I would keep Rosehill over Zac.
Adam Hall is a beast on face-offs. I like him on the PK. I hope he can remain with the team.
Raffl has always been the wild card to me. I never know where to play him. If need be he can be a 4th line winger as he at least is a threat to score.
Paying Vinny 4+mil to be a 4th line Center is not a sound move to me. I'm hoping some of these new names can add something when called upon.
A 4th line shouldn't be about policing the ice. A 4th line should be about going out, playing solid 2 way Hockey. I'd like to see a 4th line that can be trusted to play in late game situations when the team has a lead. Rather then shortening the bench in that situation. - MJL
Rosehill and Rinaldo are more than capable of providing all that
So I'm supposed to be impressed by the Brassard signing by the Rangers an average 2nd line center thus far at best and should be cursing the Flyers for the Amac signing? A guy who is an average 2nd pairing defender. Both are 27.
So I'm supposed to be impressed by the Brassard signing by the Rangers an average 2nd line center thus far at best and should be cursing the Flyers for the Amac signing? A guy who is an average 2nd pairing defender. Both are 27. - Just5
I think both deals are too much cash for too long a term. Brassard's never had a 20 goal or 50 point season. Elliotte Friedman reported yesterday that Brassard was seeking $4.95mm in arbitration...I would have rather given him 1 year at that than 5 at $5mm
Rosehill and Rinaldo are more than capable of providing all that - Just5
I view Rosehill as a 13th forward, nothing more. I don't think Rinaldo's game has evolved well enough. He's a hitter, but he's not a smart hitter. And I don't think he has the defensive game.
So I'm supposed to be impressed by the Brassard signing by the Rangers an average 2nd line center thus far at best and should be cursing the Flyers for the Amac signing? A guy who is an average 2nd pairing defender. Both are 27. - Just5
Some of the deals that the Flyers are criticized for, look better and better every day! I think Flyers fans are going to find that MacDonald is better then an average 2nd pair defender.
Some of the deals that the Flyers are criticized for, look better and better every day! I think Flyers fans are going to find that MacDonald is better then an average 2nd pair defender. - MJL
