When you consider the situation, it's not pointless at all. There are solid reasons for inserting Shelley into the lineup. There are reasons not to such as some of the ones you've mentioned. - MJL
I'd rather stay with the line-up that has played the first three games. Shelley's presence isn't likely to stop a hit like Neal's pair or Asham's attack on Schenn. But, ultimately dressing Shelley or Rinaldo isn't likely to be a difference maker.
I think that the Pens will be out to win the game, not get vengeance
Location: Mike Richards snorted coke off Joined: 07.30.2009
Apr 17 @ 9:50 AM ET
This was posted in the Vancouver blog. Is there any truth to this? I didn't see it.
After all of Burrows crap in the past you think he would have matured but in game 1 of this series there he is taunting Richards and Carter by pretending to chop up lines of coke and snorting rails with his stick. Game 1 and they are on that crap already - stveshdy
I'd rather stay with the line-up that has played the first three games. Shelley's presence isn't likely to stop a hit like Neal's pair or Asham's attack on Schenn. But, ultimately dressing Shelley or Rinaldo isn't likely to be a difference maker.
I think that the Pens will be out to win the game, not get vengeance - Jsaquella
Fair points. I want Shelley in the lineup in case things start going like game 3. He's more experienced and can keep better cool then Rinaldo. If I'm the Pens I target Rinaldo to try and get PP's
What the hell is going on during these playoffs? There is no respect towards players. I'm all for "bloodbath" and rivalry throughout a series but the class that is being shown is ridiculous. - stveshdy
It happens every year. The way to end it is to eliminate the instigator-or use it properly by hitting the guys that start the storms with it-or have consistent discipline from Shanahan based on the actions of the player, not his team or name.
Shelley absolutely can play a 4th line role for 3-5 minutes a game. It is one game. The Flyers have plenty of players that can be double shifted. Look at the icetimes. There are plenty of players that could use a few more minutes. It is for one game. Putting Shelley in the lineup doesn't mean the team won't be focused on winning. - MJL
I wouldn't dress Shelley. And I would limit Rinaldo's ice time in a big way. And if the kid takes an early penalty I'd let him ride the bench for the rest of the game.
This is a chance to get the 4th win against a very good, very dangerous opponent. Let's kill them while we have the chance, and not take chances on players who can barely play.
Fair points. I want Shelley in the lineup in case things start going like game 3. He's more experienced and can keep better cool then Rinaldo. If I'm the Pens I target Rinaldo to try and get PP's - MJL
That is another factor, and a valid one. They're not likely to need Zac's offense.
I wouldn't dress Shelley. And I would limit Rinaldo's ice time in a big way. And if the kid takes an early penalty I'd let him ride the bench for the rest of the game.
This is a chance to get the 4th win against a very good, very dangerous opponent. Let's kill them while we have the chance, and not take chances on players who can barely play. - FlyerGuy
Putting Shelley in the lineup doesn't lessen their chances of winning game 4. Shelley is fully capable of playing a 4th line role.
Dressing Shelley doesn't tell the refs that. You can't skate away from cheap shots. Shelley would not be instigating or initiating anything. - MJL
How does dressing Shelly and sitting him on the bench protect anyone from cheap shots? If Malkin cheap shots Giroux...Shelly isnt on the ice... Whatare you going to do, send Shelly out for the next shift with Malkin? That is exactly what the Pens would want. Malkin would skate right away, or draw Shelly into a penality. Its just not smart thinking... I expected better from you MJL.
Personally, I find the idea that Neal's hit on Couturier warrants only a fine to be ridiculous. In a game filled with gutless intents to injure, this was the worst.
As to the Shelley comments, uh no thanks.
When you have a chance to close out a series on home ice, you grasp it. You cannot afford to dress a one-dimensional goon. If there is an injury, or a player gets tossed, you need your role players to be able to play. Shelley can't play.
The only way I would even consider it, was if the league did not suspend Neal. But even then, I wouldn't do it. I'd rather see the team focused on the win. - hobo
I still think he'll get a game for the Cooter hit.
Fair points. I want Shelley in the lineup in case things start going like game 3. He's more experienced and can keep better cool then Rinaldo. If I'm the Pens I target Rinaldo to try and get PP's - MJL
Shelley got a penalty for being on the ice in the last game of the season.
How does dressing Shelly and sitting him on the bench protect anyone from cheap shots? If Malkin cheap shots Giroux...Shelly isnt on the ice... Whatare you going to do, send Shelly out for the next shift with Malkin? That is exactly what the Pens would want. Malkin would skate right away, or draw Shelly into a penality. Its just not smart thinking... I expected better from you MJL. - RooNosHockey
It doesn't protect anyone from a cheap shot. Enforcers never have done that. Nor would I send Shelley out with Malkin. That's not even close to what I'm suggesting. And my reasoning for making the change is sound. Before you go telling me what you expected better from me, understand what I'm suggesting. Because you clearly don't.
Shelley got a penalty for being on the ice in the last game of the season. - hobo
He got a misconduct, not a penalty. Shelley will get more respect form the officials then Rinaldo will. And Shelley as a veteran knows the situation and what he is there for.
The Flyers are winning this series because, in large measure, to their team speed.
I'm not adding a guy to the lineup who lumbers up and down the ice. I don't care if it's only for 5 minutes in a 4th line role. - FlyerGuy
Shelley has no problem playing a 4th line role. Substituting Shelley for Rinaldo will not affect the Flyers team speed. It's one player. And the biggest advantage the Flyers have is on the forecheck down low. Shelley is capable there.
He got a misconduct, not a penalty. Shelley will get more respect form the officials then Rinaldo will. And Shelley as a veteran knows the situation and what he is there for. - MJL
I get what you are saying.. but i just think its such a small factor in the overall game.
Location: the lone wolf of hockeybuzz Joined: 07.31.2009
Apr 17 @ 10:03 AM ET
How does dressing Shelly and sitting him on the bench protect anyone from cheap shots? If Malkin cheap shots Giroux...Shelly isnt on the ice... Whatare you going to do, send Shelly out for the next shift with Malkin? That is exactly what the Pens would want. Malkin would skate right away, or draw Shelly into a penality. Its just not smart thinking... I expected better from you MJL. - RooNosHockey
I'm not up for changing the line up, but I can agree with him that putting Shelley in the line up leaves us less prone to bad penalties. He doesn't have Rinaldo's attitude, nor a target on his back for the referees of Rinaldo's magnitude.
That said, I think the difference is minimal, the Flyers will come out tomorrow prepared to step on the Penguins throats and end this series. No bullpoop.
Here is why game 4 will not be like game 3, thus eliminating the talk of dressing Shelly.
1. Penguins are playing for their playoff lives in this game. It's going to be all about trying to score, and you can bet BILEsma has told them that. They will try to not get into the after the whistle scrums.
2. If the Penguins get far ahead in the game you can bet with the way the let games 1 and 2 get away from them, again they will be focusing on holding the lead, and not the rough stuff. Plus, you can be Lavi will tell his guys not to get involved in this stuff to not give Pittsburgh any more momentum then a win would give them.
3. If the Flyers jump out to a huge lead then Pittsburgh has nothing to play for. No tomorrow to send a message for. No reason to try and hurt other players. Plus you can bet that Lavi will limit the shifts of the top guys as a "just in case".
In any other secenerio the Penguins will be trying to win the game, not the rough stuff. There is absolutely no reason to dress Shelly.
