I understand the 'idea' behind Paquette, in terms of setting a physical tone and being tough to play against. But Smith needs to be consistent in terms of earning your ice time... not to mention allowing a player like Galchenyuk to prove that he can contribute. God knows they looked like they needed another couple of top-6 forwards out there on Saturday night, not more of the 3rd/4th line grind.

Further to this point, by TOI their #1C right now is Chris Tierney and their #1W is Connor Brown, which doesn't really feel like such a good idea, especially given that they have just 1 SOG combined. Surely if you've got guys like Stepan/Dadonov in the lineup, they should be playing more substantial minutes and trying to open up offensive chances for the young talent like Tkachuk/Batherson... not watching your 3rd line play dump and chase.
- khawk

those guys had the most TOI because in both games they were out against the Matthews line every time they stepped on the ice. they were being used in an exclusively defensive role.

those guys had the most TOI because in both games they were out against the Matthews line every time they stepped on the ice. they were being used in an exclusively defensive role.
- sensarmy_11

Right, but what's going to happen against McDavid? Or Pettersson? Or Scheifele? Or anyone else's top line? Not to mention that we've seen this before... Brown had the most W ice time last year, and Tierney had the most C ice time after Pageau. The whole idea of adding scoring line veterans you can trust on the ice like Dadonov/Stepan/Galchenyuk is to allow your scoring lines to be used more aggressively... not just hide behind players like Brown/Tierney out of a perceived lack of options.

don't look now....bobby ryan has 3 goals in 2 games; tied with McDavid, Kessel, Hertl, Konecny and 1 mofo I have no idea about

don't look now....bobby ryan has 3 goals in 2 games; tied with McDavid, Kessel, Hertl, Konecny and 1 mofo I have no idea about
- AlfieisKing

Looks like Bobby Ryan is coming in hot!

Looks like Bobby Ryan is coming in hot!
- SensFan25

I saw this. I'm certainly happy for him. How awesome would it be for him to score 30 goals again?

Great for him, and help push Detroit up the standings.

Right, but what's going to happen against McDavid? Or Pettersson? Or Scheifele? Or anyone else's top line? Not to mention that we've seen this before... Brown had the most W ice time last year, and Tierney had the most C ice time after Pageau. The whole idea of adding scoring line veterans you can trust on the ice like Dadonov/Stepan/Galchenyuk is to allow your scoring lines to be used more aggressively... not just hide behind players like Brown/Tierney out of a perceived lack of options.
- khawk

That’s the problem with having 3 guys under 22 on the same line. They can’t pull the matchup against the other top lines, they’d get demolished. Sooooo, they play together, but the ice time is lower based on matchups.

The alternative is to split them up.....I Lomé this better.

I saw this. I'm certainly happy for him. How awesome would it be for him to score 30 goals again?

Great for him, and help push Detroit up the standings.


- david22

Super awesome.