Sam Hitchcock: How the Lightning Respond to Spate of Injuries

If the injuries at forward are not long-term, then don't overpay in a trade. Just use youth in the pipeline to temporarily fill holes. Honestly, the Bolts can probably win with the pieces they have currently (when healthy). If there is a weak link, it's Cooper.

I wouldn't mind a bottom 6 D. I don't have complete faith in Rutta or Schenn in the lineup. And hate to say Maroon looks a little flat footed, doesn't know to keep his legs moving.

Then again Schenn looking a-okay

Then again Schenn looking a-okay
- BoltsFan1993

If Schenn keeps playing like he has the past 3 games, I have no problem with him being our 8th defender!

Schenn's lack of foot speed is obvious at times. But, he seems to be managing that pretty well with good positioning and gaps. (At least to my eye test these last couple of games). Him and Coburn are very similar now. I don't mind him so much in a limited role. I'm shocked that Cooper hasn't tried putting Schenn on the top pairing with Hedman.

Agree about D depth. If we add anybody at the deadline, I'd like to see another good depth d-man. A solid #4 or #5 that won't cost the moon - maybe too much to ask for.

Sure, everybody could use another top-9 forward, but the Bolts have a fairly-deep cupboard here and it might be time to give a few more Syracuse guys a shot. Just need to see some bodies get healthy and stay that way. This injury circus is getting silly.

Schenn's lack of foot speed is obvious at times. But, he seems to be managing that pretty well with good positioning and gaps. (At least to my eye test these last couple of games). Him and Coburn are very similar now. I don't mind him so much in a limited role. I'm shocked that Cooper hasn't tried putting Schenn on the top pairing with Hedman.

Agree about D depth. If we add anybody at the deadline, I'd like to see another good depth d-man. A solid #4 or #5 that won't cost the moon - maybe too much to ask for.

Sure, everybody could use another top-9 forward, but the Bolts have a fairly-deep cupboard here and it might be time to give a few more Syracuse guys a shot. Just need to see some bodies get healthy and stay that way. This injury circus is getting silly.
- GalacticStone

Idk what is left in that cupboard on offense. Volkov is too inconsistent. Joseph needs to get his head out of his ass. I don't mind Vergahae and Stephens as 4th liners because they don't hurt us. After that Syracuse has nothing left to offer except AHL players and not ready prospects.

I'm wanting to see a trade for 3rd line center so Pacquette can go back to 4th line duties.

Idk what is left in that cupboard on offense. Volkov is too inconsistent. Joseph needs to get his head out of his ass. I don't mind Vergahae and Stephens as 4th liners because they don't hurt us. After that Syracuse has nothing left to offer except AHL players and not ready prospects.

I'm wanting to see a trade for 3rd line center so Pacquette can go back to 4th line duties.
- LightningMcKing

Agree about Volkov. He's not that noticeable. I think we know what we have with him at this point - much like Joseph, although Joseph has had more games to prove himself.

Joseph is just an energy 4th-liner and will likely never be more than that. He has stone hands and will continue to frustrate on the scoresheet.

Verhaghae-mouse has grown on me. Him and Stephens make a good hustle-duo. They remind me a little of early Palat and Johnson but with less scoring touch. They thrive off each other and play well together.

I'd like to see Barre-Boulet or whatever his name is get another look. Maybe Gemel Smith as well.