Cory Schneider is the best goalie in the NHL. Yes, I'm serious. Sad thing is, he'll be sitting on the bench in game 1.
- hertzman

Agreed.

Shoot the Garsh-darned empty net goals.

Idioits.

Just end the damned game. They look ashamed to shoot.

Where has Kesler gone?
- boonerbuck

He's been busy denting shin pads.

usually this time of year, AV would be throwing in RL as much as possible, Prepping him for the playoffs.

Look at it this way. They have both played a handfull of games in the last month. And Cory has played a ton of big meaning games. Boston, Detroit Etc. I have a feeling AV is testing him because he knows he may be relying on him in the playoffs................................................................Atleast I hope.
- TheCouv

For sure. They will both be getting playoff time. I wouldn't be surprised if they started Schneider in a Rd 1 game just to keep him going.

Perhaps, although the timeline for Dan's return seems to be uncertain.

with that in mind....

Burrows Henrik Raymond
Higgins Kesler Booth
Kassian Pahlsson Hansen
Malhotra Lapierre Wiese/Ebbet

Pahlsson and Hansen have worked great with whomever they've been paired with so far. I know there are worried about Kassian's ability defensively, so it probably wouldn't last very long, a role on the 3rd line might get him to be more physical.
- kent

There's no way I want to break up the Higgins, Pahlsson and Hansen line. I think that line can be as valuable as Pahlsson, Moen and Neidermeyer were in the Ducks run.

For sure. They will both be getting playoff time. I wouldn't be surprised if they started Schneider in a Rd 1 game just to keep him going.
- AlexF

In an interview the other day, Schneider was saying Lu was getting ready for the playoffs like he'll be starting 25 games. But that isn't really necessary with this kind of goalie tandem. With the year he's having, it seems very possible that Schneider will get some playing time.

There's no way I want to break up the Higgins, Pahlsson and Hansen line. I think that line can be as valuable as Pahlsson, Moen and Neidermeyer were in the Ducks run.
- hertzman

Agreed again... I can't really think of a worse reward for strong play than putting Higgins on a line with Kesler & Booth. I'd much rather keep that 3rd line together.

Booth is very good at swinging big haymakers and his opponents are very good at ducking them.

Agreed again... I can't really think of a worse reward for strong play than putting Higgins on a line with Kesler & Booth. I'd much rather keep that 3rd line together.
- DrChristianTroy

But that line was clicking really nice before Danny got hurt... so it seems Higgins is the main piece to any of those lines... the question is... do you want the 2nd line getting chances and putting up goals... or the 3rd line?

Id rather the 2nd line be clicking... not sure why Burrows on the 3rd wouldnt be a better option.

We were literally just saying a couple weeks ago how we dont want to seperate the 2nd line...

Booth is very good at swinging big haymakers and his opponents are very good at ducking them.
- micah555

Man Booth landed 2-3 big punches... after that big haymaking swing... he connected on a couple that were very very big.

But that line was clicking really nice before Danny got hurt... so it seems Higgins is the main piece to any of those lines... the question is... do you want the 2nd line getting chances and putting up goals... or the 3rd line?

Id rather the 2nd line be clicking... not sure why Burrows on the 3rd wouldnt be a better option.

We were literally just saying a couple weeks ago how we dont want to seperate the 2nd line...
- kneughter

We just have to trust that Kesler has another level that he's saving for the playoffs. We really need Daniel back, Kassian needs to be on the 4th line.

But that line was clicking really nice before Danny got hurt... so it seems Higgins is the main piece to any of those lines... the question is... do you want the 2nd line getting chances and putting up goals... or the 3rd line?

Id rather the 2nd line be clicking... not sure why Burrows on the 3rd wouldnt be a better option.

We were literally just saying a couple weeks ago how we dont want to seperate the 2nd line...
- kneughter

The 3rd line was clicking well with Burrows on it too before Higgins got there. I think the 3rd line is powered by Pahlsson above all. This guy has been one hell of a TDL find.

And regardless of Raymond's few good games, he's not a top liner. I think we'll see a reverting back to form in the near future. That's not to say I hope so, but the evidence just stretches too far back.

But that line was clicking really nice before Danny got hurt... so it seems Higgins is the main piece to any of those lines... the question is... do you want the 2nd line getting chances and putting up goals... or the 3rd line?

Id rather the 2nd line be clicking... not sure why Burrows on the 3rd wouldnt be a better option.

We were literally just saying a couple weeks ago how we dont want to seperate the 2nd line...
- kneughter

I wasn't part of that discussion... I honestly don't like Higgins as a top 6 player even though he's been our top scorer for nice little stretch here. He and Hansen are exactly what you want on a 3rd line in the playoffs.

The AMEX line clicked at random intervals, but they never really impressed me with any reliable/obvious chemistry. I'm starting to wonder if the Kesler/Booth combo are capable of developing chemistry with anyone. If Alex Burrows can't figure out how to compliment your game, there's something wrong.

I wasn't part of that discussion... I honestly don't like Higgins as a top 6 player even though he's been our top scorer for nice little stretch here. He and Hansen are exactly what you want on a 3rd line in the playoffs.

The AMEX line clicked at random intervals, but they never really impressed me with any reliable/obvious chemistry. I'm starting to wonder if the Kesler/Booth combo are capable of developing chemistry with anyone. If Alex Burrows can't figure out how to compliment your game, there's something wrong.
- DrChristianTroy

Well with these 2 guys skating around you aren't going to create too much for others.... Kesler doesnt seem to want to pass... and Booth doesn't know how.

Booth is very good at swinging big haymakers and his opponents are very good at ducking them.
- micah555

What are you talking about? He missed on the first one then landed 3 in a row.

What are you talking about? He missed on the first one then landed 3 in a row.
- Scooby_Doo

BAN!

BAN!
- kneughter

He should ban himself for such a stupid comment.

He should ban himself for such a stupid comment.
- Scooby_Doo

- kneughter

u 2 are so cute!

u 2 are so cute!
- TheCouv

- kneughter

I hope those hearts are floating towards Schneider.

I hope those hearts are floating towards Schneider.
- TheCouv

Right into his mouth....

Perhaps, although the timeline for Dan's return seems to be uncertain.

with that in mind....

Burrows Henrik Kassian
Raymond Kesler Booth
Higgins Pahlsson Hansen
Malhotra Lapierre Wiese/Ebbet

Pahlsson and Hansen have worked great with whomever they've been paired with so far. I know there are worried about Kassian's ability defensively, so it probably wouldn't last very long, a role on the 3rd line might get him to be more physical.
- kent

This is what Id do. You gotta keep Higgs where he is..

Booth is very good at swinging big haymakers and his opponents are very good at ducking them.
- micah555

A fight between him and Subban would be filled with epic whiffs.

usually this time of year, AV would be throwing in RL as much as possible, Prepping him for the playoffs.

Look at it this way. They have both played a handfull of games in the last month. And Cory has played a ton of big meaning games. Boston, Detroit Etc. I have a feeling AV is testing him because he knows he may be relying on him in the playoffs................................................................Atleast I hope.
- TheCouv

If we have to rely on Schneider in the playoffs, we're probably already in a LOT of trouble. You have to ride Luongo, this year at least, if he can't do it this time, then in the off-season you'll have to find a way to rid yourself of his contract and resign Schneider. I can see him going into one or two games in the playoffs, especially if we go deep, just to give Luongo some rest going into an elimination game or pivotal game in a series, but if you're putting Schneider in for a whole series, you're probably not going far anyways. But I'm not worried about our goaltending, as both goalies are getting hot at the right time. It's our offense that's a problem, we're not spending a lot of time in the offensive zone killing the clock like we were and it's putting a lot more stress on our D which could lead to injuries sooner than later. We have depth, but I'd rather not test it before we get to the WCF and beyond.