Line Combos: 5 man units?

[Goonface2k14]

I’m not sure if Babcock ever has or ever would entertain this idea, but what if the Leafs went to using 5-man units rather than thinking of the forward lines and defense pairings separately?

I get the challenges (more forward lines than defense pairings, forwards take shorter shifts), but it’s been done before. The Red Wings did it back in the 90s when they had their “Russian 5”. Their chemistry was magical as depicted in the documentary called “Red Army” (which by the way is a very good documentary for any hockey fan, if you haven’t seen it already).

We likely lack the proper line up to do it, and Babcock probably wouldn’t ever go down that road anyways, but it’s interesting to think about.

Maybe what I’m really hoping for is our top up-tempo style of play forwards to be out there with our top up-tempo style defensemen (i.e. Reilly-Matthews) as much as possible. I feel like there is chemistry to be had there, just like there’s chemistry between forwards.

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[rent free]

matthews nylander marner jvr kadri

 

[WTFMAN99]

It was a thing with the Russian 5 in Detroit but I don't think that happens anymore.

 

[Mr Hockey]

How Babs rolls ...

• Babs uses Rielly/Hainsey on road with the Matthews line, for support.
• Babs uses Rielly/Hainsey at home with the Kadri line, for defensive support.

 

[Intact]

Im pretty sure Babs does this much more than other coaches already. Kadri's line and Reilly's pairing almost played the whole game against Crosby's line at home for example.

 

[Al14]

matthews nylander marner jvr kadri

Which two are you proposing to play on D?

 

[rent free]

who c

Which two are you proposing to play on D?

ares. with these 5 we will have the puck 100 percent of the time, there is no need for D

 

[Al14]

who cares. with these 5 we will have the puck 100 percent of the time, there is no need for D

Sure! LOL

No need for Andersen in net either! Put on Kapanen in his spot!

 

[Rare Jewel]

Maybe what I’m really hoping for is our top up-tempo style of play forwards to be out there with our top up-tempo style defensemen (i.e. Reilly-Matthews) as much as possible. I feel like there is chemistry to be had there, just like there’s chemistry between forwards.

I'd like to see more as well. I find myself a little amazed by how boring and blunt we can look given the talent out there. But Babcock's "ways" kind of leaned themselves to that. I mean team Canada in Sochi was quite boring considering it was a $150m super team.

With Babcock - his persistence with the match-ups preclude any possibility of having his own "Russian 5" type of line. Also he loves his 4th line which would mess things ups as well.

 

[rent free]

marincin polak martin moore leivo

 

[lifelonghockeyfan]

Well you do have 4 forward lines and 3 defence pairs., so that doesn't work And PP and PK screws up the personnel.
And if you're a line or dman matcher like Babcock, it's impossible to have a set five.

 

[Goonface2k14]

How Babs rolls ...

• Babs uses Rielly/Hainsey on road with the Matthews line, for support.
• Babs uses Rielly/Hainsey at home with the Kadri line, for defensive support.

Ok, well if that’s the case, then I guess I’m only hoping for more Rielly with the Matthews line at home. And also for them to get the most minutes. Hopefully Babcock has a plan in place to ramp up their ice time as we get closer to the post season. Less Komarov and Gardiner, more Matthews and Reilly.

 

[Goonface2k14]

I'd like to see more as well. I find myself a little amazed by how boring and blunt we can look given the talent out there. But Babcock's "ways" kind of leaned themselves to that. I mean team Canada in Sochi was quite boring considering it was a $150m super team.

With Babcock - his persistence with the match-ups preclude any possibility of having his own "Russian 5" type of line. Also he loves his 4th line which would mess things ups as well.

Yeah I figure the constant line matching by Babs doesn’t allow for a set 5 and we probably won’t see it as long as he’s coach. And maybe that’s the right approach with this lineup at this time, I don’t know.