JG!!! Having him and Cizikas together for the PK and bottom 6 is going to very valuable in the playoffs.
“It’s hard to know what would have happened,” Pageau said of the slump. “In my view, we would have made it. I really believed in my teammates. For being there for such a short period of time, they’ve gained my confidence already. Not only the players, but the whole organization. I’m excited just to go back to New York, but I don’t know when exactly.”
I liked the way they looked in his first game vs the Rags. Short lived when he got thrown out obviously but I still liked it.I'd like to see Bailey and Pageau develop some chemistry together. Bailey is a good playmaker , Pageau is a decent finisher. The 3rd component of that line could be Ladd or Komarov. On the surface, Pageau playing with a playmaking winger should be good for both.
If this thing gets restarted. I kinda like the other 3 lines as they have been set up all season. Barzal, Nelson, Cizikas lines. They all seem set. The #3 line let's call it, is the line that has been the achilles heal this season. JGP and Bailey should be a solid basis for a good #3 line. Finding the 3rd component, may be the challenge. Komarov, Ladd, Knuckles, Bellows...I liked the way they looked in his first game vs the Rags. Short lived when he got thrown out obviously but I still liked it.
That part is hard, Dal Colle too. I think the top 2 choices are Ladd and Dal Colle.If this thing gets restarted. I kinda like the other 3 lines as they have been set up all season. Barzal, Nelson, Cizikas lines. They all seem set. The #3 line let's call it, is the line that has been the achilles heal this season. JGP and Bailey should be a solid basis for a good #3 line. Finding the 3rd component, may be the challenge. Komarov, Ladd, Knuckles, Bellows...
I kinda liked Nelson + Beauvillier with Brassard. I like spreading out the talent on 4 lines. When the season ended abruptly, Cizikas and Pelech were out. And Clutterbuck just came back from a horrific wrist injury. The Isles looked out of sync. I like the 4 lines and 3 D pairings all hitting on the right cylinder approach more than a top heavy top lines and D pairings approach. To me the 3rd line was always a gaping hole this year. Last year Filppula did a decent job. Hopefully JGP will make a bigger impact this season if there is one, or next year.I’d keep Bailey w Beau and Nelson. That line could use his smarts. He’s too talented for the 3rd line imho.
Brassard w JPG and Ladd. Some skill and grit.
I kinda liked Nelson + Beauvillier with Brassard. I like spreading out the talent on 4 lines. When the season ended abruptly, Cizikas and Pelech were out. And Clutterbuck just came back from a horrific wrist injury. The Isles looked out of sync. I like the 4 lines and 3 D pairings all hitting on the right cylinder approach more than a top heavy top lines and D pairings approach. To me the 3rd line was always a gaping hole this year. Last year Filppula did a decent job. Hopefully JGP will make a bigger impact this season if there is one, or next year.
I kinda liked Nelson + Beauvillier with Brassard. I like spreading out the talent on 4 lines. When the season ended abruptly, Cizikas and Pelech were out. And Clutterbuck just came back from a horrific wrist injury. The Isles looked out of sync. I like the 4 lines and 3 D pairings all hitting on the right cylinder approach more than a top heavy top lines and D pairings approach. To me the 3rd line was always a gaping hole this year. Last year Filppula did a decent job. Hopefully JGP will make a bigger impact this season if there is one, or next year.
All honestly in a short series I think Ladd can be effective if he plays hard and physical. Give it everything he has. The guy has won a cup before so maybe he thinks this is his last "kick at the can".
MDC and Ladd should both be black aces, imho.Ladd did a pretty good job at scoring goals in the AHL, he was physical and energetic when playing in the NHL again for his brief stint. As long as he can bring that intensity I'm fine with him in the lineup over someone like Dal Colle. The need for Dal Colle's safe play is lessened with Pageau on the roster.
You’re right but the problem I have is that in Ladds time as an Islander he has been the king of taking stupid penalties at the absolute worst times especially in the 3rd period. I really fear that biting the teams ass in the playoffs.All honestly in a short series I think Ladd can be effective if he plays hard and physical. Give it everything he has. The guy has won a cup before so maybe he thinks this is his last "kick at the can".
There is no way Johnny Boychuk should sit if he’s healthy. This is a non-starter. JB is the defenseman that makes the right plays look easy because he always knows where he’s supposed to be. Having a 3 month break and fresh legs is exactly the right scenario for Boychuk going into the playoffs.^I'd insert Brassard, shift Ladd to the left. But it's a good lineup. An nobody thought Pelech would be available, psht.
I'd also try Greene over Boychuk. He's swifter and does many subtle defensive plays, much like Boychuk, but more.
There is no way Johnny Boychuk should sit if he’s healthy. This is a non-starter. JB is the defenseman that makes the right plays look easy because he always knows where he’s supposed to be. Having a 3 month break and fresh legs is exactly the right scenario for Boychuk going into the playoffs.
IF, and that’s a big IF, you are aching to get Andy Greene into the lineup it should be over Mayfield or Toews.
agreed whole heartedly. Just look at our results when he's out for any extended period.While Pulock has emerged as the unit's top dog, Boychuk is still the leader of the group. The guy has earned respect and has the personality to keep the group loose. Chemistry matters. I agree there is no way he doesn't play as long as he's healthy.
We still need him. Things might change next year as the younger guys continue to ascend, but I think he's the one everyone looks towards to set the tone.
Next year is next year. But as far as the tournament goes and any time we spend in the playoffs, Johnny Boychuk is the key to the defense. But thank god we have Andy Greene as insurance.While Pulock has emerged as the unit's top dog, Boychuk is still the leader of the group. The guy has earned respect and has the personality to keep the group loose. Chemistry matters. I agree there is no way he doesn't play as long as he's healthy.
We still need him. Things might change next year as the younger guys continue to ascend, but I think he's the one everyone looks towards to set the tone.
That's another Bingo!agreed whole heartedly. Just look at our results when he's out for any extended period.
There is no way Johnny Boychuk should sit if he’s healthy. This is a non-starter. JB is the defenseman that makes the right plays look easy because he always knows where he’s supposed to be. Having a 3 month break and fresh legs is exactly the right scenario for Boychuk going into the playoffs.
IF, and that’s a big IF, you are aching to get Andy Greene into the lineup it should be over Mayfield or Toews.