Mule93-I'm trying so hard to figure out if you're being sarcastic or not. Firstly Kopitar is one of the most skilled players in the league. I don't agree with these people, but there are many that are starting to throw him into the whole best player in the league conversation. Once again, I don't think he's on that level, but that some people do demonstrates how high up there he is. In SKILL and every other part of the game. (While the Kings are very physcial, and grind very effectively, they're also very skilled-one dimensional teams that are only good at grinding or only skilled can't win the cup, you have to be at least pretty good at everything, and really good at some things to win) Next I can see no way that anyone likes Cleary more than Weiss. Did Weiss play horribly last season? And a couple before? Yes, but he uses injuries as an excuse and because he has been skilled in the past and we threw him a five year deal, we sort of have to give him the benefit of the doubt and hope he can maybe be an acceptable 2nd line center. If it really was all injuries then I see no reason why he can't be a decent #2 C. If he fails then either Helm or Sheahan will get a shot, and if they can't survive that position, then unfortunately Z will have to play C. Regardless Weiss/Helm/Sheahan should be plans A, B and C with Z being plan D. Cleary has faced injuries as well, but even when healthy it's been a long long time since he's been a contributing player in any way, offense, defense, (I guess he has leadership and maybe can inspire people by looking like he's trying-even if his effort is entirely in vain). Abby on the first line is ok, there are guys I'd rather see, but I can accept it, I guess. Finally, Glendenning on the third line: I am almost lost for words that this is your holy grail third line. Helm and Tats together, that's fine. I like Sheahan in that spot, but I love Helm so I'm fine with him there too. Regardless, Glendenning is a fringe fourth line player. He cannot score, I have seen dead animals put the puck in the net more. I know scoring isn't the goal of the third line, but you need some contribution. We have so many forward options that can slot in there, honestly besides Cleary (Gustavsson, Howard, and Lashoff I guess should be included as well, but they aren't forwards so they don't count, but I'd take Smith there over Glendenning every day of the week) I don't think there is anyone on the team worse suited for that spot than Glendenning. Also before you do some watch/play more claim, I practice twice a week, play once/twice a week (dependent on schedule) and watch 82 wings games a year, 41+ Bolts games, and probably another 41 random games a year, not including playoffs. You might watch/play more, but I find it a little doubtful.
