I would love a 4th line like the Devils had. Madden, Pandolfo and Brylin would match against top lines. They had speed and smarts. They could chip in some offense. They had a great chemistry.

I would look at a 4th line of Leier - Cousins - Bellemare. I know cousins isn't the fastest but give him good wingers with speed. I thought Cousins handled himself well and let him have that role of agitating center on a solid 4th line.
- J35Bacher

I think Cousins could actually be a top 4C. He's smart and has hockey IQ -- that's what stands out to me. I don't think PEB should be a center; he'd be so much better at wing like Laughton, because he really isn't good defensively and can use his speed better. I like that 4th line -- smarts at center, speed at wing. You just need a 3C in free agency.

I would love to roll out something like Laughton-Nielsen-Read. You legitimately have another shutdown line that can also score. It's almost line 2B. That could change the complexion of this forward group.

I will be disappointed if VDV isn't in the AHL, or at least the 13th forward. Hakstol can love him all he wants as one of his "boys," the bottom 6 was brutal this season and a reason for many of the team's struggles. It's the biggest short term problem right now. Hopefully Hexy and Hak see reason.

It's not hard to upgrade -- call a prospect up (Leier?), make a subtle signing, maybe go bigger with Nielsen, who is my favorite FA, and bump a Read or Cousins down. The bottom 6 as is really can't defend, can't score, has some weak skaters (including VDV...sorry to disagree, but he is an average at best skater. And then there's White who people want to resign, who is a slug out there). This bottom 6 needs to either rack up points considering G and Coots are taking the tough minutes, or play great defense to free them up. It does neither now. Going in with the same unit next season is asking for it.
- Mononoke

Very true. When you look at the 12 forwards who played at least half the season, the 4th line got the easiest matchups (apart from Laughton), balanced zone starts, and somehow still produced the worst results in goals, shots and shot attempts.

http://www.behindthenet.c...9+30+32+33+34+45+46+63+67

Unless they are playing the Rangers, I find it impossible to root for that team.
- jmatchett383

Is it because of our resident "troll" or have you felt that way before then?

I find them highly likeable. I was almost assuredly rooting for the Western Champ in the finals.

Very true. When you look at the 12 forwards who played at least half the season, the 4th line got the easiest matchups (apart from Laughton), balanced zone starts, and somehow still produced the worst results in goals, shots and shot attempts.

http://www.behindthenet.c...9+30+32+33+34+45+46+63+67
- Feanor

The question you have to ask is: what does the 4th line do? They are a dumpster fire in their own zone, so forget shutdown defense. They get easy minutes and starts but are frustratingly poor at generating chances/scoring. Even on the PK, the team has players like Laughts and Raf who can do what they do better. What do they do for all the minutes they play? "They play hard." That must be it.

I think Cousins could actually be a top 4C. He's smart and has hockey IQ -- that's what stands out to me. I don't think PEB should be a center; he'd be so much better at wing like Laughton, because he really isn't good defensively and can use his speed better. I like that 4th line -- smarts at center, speed at wing. You just need a 3C in free agency. I would love to roll out something like Laughton-Nielsen-Read. You legitimately have another shutdown line that can also score. It's almost line 2B. That could change the complexion of this forward group.
- Mononoke

My issue with Cousins as a 4th line center, is where is he going to contribute on special teams at? I want my 4th line center to be able to play on the PK, and to be reliable on defensive zone draws.

Is it because of our resident "troll" or have you felt that way before then?

I find them highly likeable. I was almost assuredly rooting for the Western Champ in the finals.
- mayorofangrytown

Well, he doesn't help, but I've just never liked them.

I think it's because they're sort of like the Reid-era Eagles of the NHL; that team that's always really good but never wins, but everyone always talks about what a great team they are. Sort of like the Western Conference versions of the Capitals, but even more so.

Zez was a fan favorite and a great guy

I guess it's asking too much to upgrade over sacred cow Vandevelde

I will be disappointed if VDV isn't in the AHL, or at least the 13th forward. Hakstol can love him all he wants as one of his "boys," the bottom 6 was brutal this season and a reason for many of the team's struggles. It's the biggest short term problem right now. Hopefully Hexy and Hak see reason.

It's not hard to upgrade -- call a prospect up (Leier?), make a subtle signing, maybe go bigger with Nielsen, who is my favorite FA, and bump a Read or Cousins down. The bottom 6 as is really can't defend, can't score, has some weak skaters (including VDV...sorry to disagree, but he is an average at best skater. And then there's White who people want to resign, who is a slug out there). This bottom 6 needs to either rack up points considering G and Coots are taking the tough minutes, or play great defense to free them up. It does neither now. Going in with the same unit next season is asking for it.
- Mononoke

Just a personal theory I have on the perception of a lot of these guys...CVDV/white/schultz even several of the face punchers. They are great people off the ice...great personalities...stand up for teammates and do what is asked of them. Maybe they can make the simple play and it isnt as if they have no value.

But who is actually going to come out and say he sucks at hockey, but hes a great guy? It goes this way with several of the interviews of players and coaches. They are asked a certain question about the team or an individual, but the response is obvious and almost scripted. THey are going to say good stuff about teammates, good stuff about the team. I highly doubt that anyone will truly say "we need to put someone better than Chris in his spot"

It is just my personal thoughts on how people react to what coaches or players say. I have doubts it means what they are truly thinking most often. But regardless, I think its easier to make a skilled player take on defensive minutes or teach him to make simple plays. Even just more skill will allow more pressure from all lines, which is ideal

Unless they are playing the Rangers, I find it impossible to root for that team.
- jmatchett383

May I ask your reasoning? (other than 2real)

Well, he doesn't help, but I've just never liked them.

I think it's because they're sort of like the Reid-era Eagles of the NHL; that team that's always really good but never wins, but everyone always talks about what a great team they are. Sort of like the Western Conference versions of the Capitals, but even more so.
- jmatchett383

found this ironic

^Jagr, you're telling me that coaches and teammates say flattering things about teammates and that everything they say in an interview is not 100% true?! *gasp*

My issue with Cousins as a 4th line center, is where is he going to contribute on special teams at? I want my 4th line center to be able to play on the PK, and to be reliable on defensive zone draws.
- MJL

And I run into that too.

I have said his name before but I like Cole Bardreau. Plays a gritty two way game. Can chip in offense and plays PK.

I think he would be a good 4th line center. And if you wanted a little more edge in the lineup I think you could throw Goulborne on the wing. He is a better skater than White and I think he also could provide some pK minutes.

I know for a fact Arizona's new GM starts each day reading Tanner's blog.
- Mononoke

He needs it for his constitutional.

He needs it for his constitutional.
- Scoob

Unless they are playing the Rangers, I find it impossible to root for that team.
- jmatchett383

I find it impossible to root for any team not named the Flyers.

I find it impossible to root for any team not named the Flyers.
- Scoob

Okay. I will actively root against them unless they're playing the Rangers. Better?

Just a personal theory I have on the perception of a lot of these guys...CVDV/white/schultz even several of the face punchers. They are great people off the ice...great personalities...stand up for teammates and do what is asked of them. Maybe they can make the simple play and it isnt as if they have no value.

But who is actually going to come out and say he sucks at hockey, but hes a great guy? It goes this way with several of the interviews of players and coaches. They are asked a certain question about the team or an individual, but the response is obvious and almost scripted. THey are going to say good stuff about teammates, good stuff about the team. I highly doubt that anyone will truly say "we need to put someone better than Chris in his spot"

It is just my personal thoughts on how people react to what coaches or players say. I have doubts it means what they are truly thinking most often. But regardless, I think its easier to make a skilled player take on defensive minutes or teach him to make simple plays. Even just more skill will allow more pressure from all lines, which is ideal
- YuenglingJagr

Coaches, execs and players defended the value of enforcers for years publicly. I bet there were more than a few that questioned their value behind closed doors.

Okay. I will actively root against them unless they're playing the Rangers. Better?
- jmatchett383

lol

Don't let what I do influence what you do. You do you.

Well, he doesn't help, but I've just never liked them.

I think it's because they're sort of like the Reid-era Eagles of the NHL; that team that's always really good but never wins, but everyone always talks about what a great team they are. Sort of like the Western Conference versions of the Capitals, but even more so.
- jmatchett383

I can see that.

I just can't root for the Pens or the Lightning to get another title.

The Sharks were the first expansion team I could really follow and it was exciting to watch them draft players and start the franchise. The Shark logo, the teal and black, the Cowpalace, Pat Faloon and Ray Whitney, the shiny new thing... they kinda had me from the jump.

They lost me at some point but I still have a bit of a soft spot for that team.

Coaches, execs and players defended the value of enforcers for years publicly. I bet there were more than a few that questioned their value behind closed doors.
- Tomahawk

Derek Mathers 2011

lol

Don't let what I do influence what you do. You do you.
- Scoob

Then why do we come here every day to read and reread your posts if not for worldly and useful advice?

^Jagr, you're telling me that coaches and teammates say flattering things about teammates and that everything they say in an interview is not 100% true?! *gasp*
- Mononoke

if true, it is pretty big. i know

that is the main gist of it...but really its certain things like how this blog started

"In the case of Flyers left winger Chris VandeVelde, it's because he has decent size while also being a pretty good skater, does the small things well without the puck and makes safe plays when he does have the puck...Additionally, his Flyers teammates would tell you that VandeVelde is a good communicator on the ice, which is important for everyone but vital for checkers."

Those are all great, but shouldn't we really be talking about how skilled a player is? That is what I mean. Is CVDV better at communicating than someone like Giroux? At the end of the day, he needs to be able to have a positive impact on the ice...and everything shows that is not the case, despite what positives people can find.

I vaguely recall reading a story (maybe in "Full Spectrum"?) where Paul Holmgren (who was coaching the Flyers at the time) threatened to strangle Mike Bullard, who was apparently a bit flighty.
- johndewar

I just loved the bedsheet Bullard's balcony sign. Def didn't seem like a Clarke type move.

I can see that.

I just can't root for the Pens or the Lightning to get another title.

The Sharks were the first expansion team I could really follow and it was exciting to watch them draft players and start the franchise. The Shark logo, the teal and black, the Cowpalace, Pat Faloon and Ray Whitney, the shiny new thing... they kinda had me from the jump.

They lost me at some point but I still have a bit of a soft spot for that team.
- mayorofangrytown

If Tampa Bay beats out the Sharks in the SCF this year, especially if Coburn scores the SC_winning goal, the 2Real reaction could be the HB post to end all posts.