Player Discussion: PLD

[rubikscube]

When I look at his goals from last year it seems a good chunk of them were individual efforts. power forward type goals.

Not sure how the Jets can best use this type of player

member of /r/wsb?

 

[DeepFrickinValue]

member of /r/wsb?

Naw. I am a gold man and now shirtless since the beginning of the year.

 

[Channelcat]

I think that is due to him still getting used to the team. He was a very high motor player as a junior player and for Columbus. I I.agibe we start to see more of that as he gets more comfortable.

I also do think that's a big part of it.

 

[DannyGallivan]

I think that is due to him still getting used to the team. He was a very high motor player as a junior player and for Columbus. I I.agibe we start to see more of that as he gets more comfortable.

Part of it is chemistry with his linemates as well. I doubt that he ever had the speed on the wing as he does now. It may benefit him to have a more cerebral veteran presence playing with him, kind of a mentor (something he never had in Columbus). I'm thinking let him play with Statsney for an extended period of time. He'll still have one goal-scoring speedy winger, but he will also have someone with very good hockey sense who can help him develop.

 

[kanadalainen]

Dubois seems to fit the Jets.

Kind of like un bon p'tit gars de chez nous.

 

[Jets 31]

PLD is a Pretty Lucky Dude to be out of Columbus and so are we as Jets fans.

 

[FFHockey]

I know this may spark a furor around here, but...

I have loved snippets of his games for sure, (I was not a regular viewer of his games with CBJ), but I would have to think that we have seen more of the bad PLD that rode the pine for them, then we have the guy who literally beat the Leafers on his own in the playoffs.

No doubt, when he’s on his game, he makes the trade almost a no brainer. But, gotta think he would have sat out portions of several games already if his buddy Torts was coaching us.

I really liked his first few games with 26 and 55, but it’s been a pretty substantial drop off other than the game winner the other night. Next 3 against the Leafs may give us a better indication of who we got in the trade.

Now I will run for cover!

 

[jokesondee]

I think maybe swapping Ehlers and Wheeler might be the answer, atleast temporarily. PLD might feel more of a comfort level with a vet like Wheeler and Wheeler seems to have found his game. I think a Connor-PLD-Wheeler line could click. Stastny-Scheifele-Ehlers is no slouch either.

 

[Adam da bomb]

I know this may spark a furor around here, but...

I have loved snippets of his games for sure, (I was not a regular viewer of his games with CBJ), but I would have to think that we have seen more of the bad PLD that rode the pine for them, then we have the guy who literally beat the Leafers on his own in the playoffs.

No doubt, when he’s on his game, he makes the trade almost a no brainer. But, gotta think he would have sat out portions of several games already if his buddy Torts was coaching us.

I really liked his first few games with 26 and 55, but it’s been a pretty substantial drop off other than the game winner the other night. Next 3 against the Leafs may give us a better indication of who we got in the trade.

Now I will run for cover!

Well Columbus is even more unhappy with Laine who hasn’t scored in 6 games because he is so slow. When you take away the goal scoring with that guy what do u have left.

 

[GNP]

Well Columbus is even more unhappy with Laine who hasn’t scored in 6 games because he is so slow. When you take away the goal scoring with that guy what do u have left.

__________________________________________________

The "very best" thing the Jets did, was to get rid of Laine. He's a very slow and awkward skater that plays a soft game. He may score 40 - 45 goals in a couple years, but Connor will likely out produce him, and so will Scheifele, and Ehlers. Also PLD will not be far behind him in production, and likely will put up more points on average per year.

Ask yourself this -- if you took Laines shot away, from that spot he shoots from, what kind of hockey player do you have? Also the guy will want $ 9-10 million per year, so you can't sign other needed players, like a good defenseman. What good is that for a "limited player" ??

There's no doubt in my mind, the Jets won this deal by a mile, when you look at the Jet's needs, and consider the whole picture.

 

[Atoyot]

I know this may spark a furor around here, but...

I have loved snippets of his games for sure, (I was not a regular viewer of his games with CBJ), but I would have to think that we have seen more of the bad PLD that rode the pine for them, then we have the guy who literally beat the Leafers on his own in the playoffs.

No doubt, when he’s on his game, he makes the trade almost a no brainer. But, gotta think he would have sat out portions of several games already if his buddy Torts was coaching us.

I really liked his first few games with 26 and 55, but it’s been a pretty substantial drop off other than the game winner the other night. Next 3 against the Leafs may give us a better indication of who we got in the trade.

Now I will run for cover!

I know we want him to be a centerman for us, but I don't think he should be one over Stastny. He's not good in his own zone, not good at face-offs, and functions better as a heavier hitting better shooting Wheeler speeding down the wing. Stastny, who's doing well on Scheif's wing, is about as prototypical of a centerman as I can think of. Great at face-offs, great playmaker, in fact playmaker to a fault sometimes, very cerebral, great defensively. He's doing well on the wing because he's a good cerebral player, but it almost seems like a waste not giving him his own line to run.

For the record my ideal lineup features both of them at center with Dubois having a more sheltered role, but if it's one or the other then I think Stastny at center and Dubois at wing benefits the team more right now.

 

[FFHockey]

__________________________________________________

The "very best" thing the Jets did, was to get rid of Laine. He's a very slow and awkward skater that plays a soft game. He may score 40 - 45 goals in a couple years, but Connor will likely out produce him, and so will Scheifele, and Ehlers. Also PLD will not be far behind him in production, and likely will put up more points on average per year.

Ask yourself this -- if you took Laines shot away, from that spot he shoots from, what kind of hockey player do you have? Also the guy will want $ 9-10 million per year, so you can't sign other needed players, like a good defenseman. What good is that for a "limited player" ??

There's no doubt in my mind, the Jets won this deal by a mile, when you look at the Jet's needs, and consider the whole picture.

I agree on most everything you say, but still think it’s a bit early to declare us a clear cut winner of that trade. He clearly was a factor in a couple victories but has been next to invisible at times. Probably realizes he won’t be paying the price under Maurice for lack of effort like he did under Torts.

If we get the guy we have seen glimpses of as a Jet, the player who got under the Leafs skin, then yes, I think we clearly won that trade. If he doesn’t sign here, well...we’re fooked.

 

[Jet]

I think people need to pump the brakes a bit on their proclamations on PLD. He's still only played a handful of games with us, after sitting a long while and getting likely a groin injury which does not just become 100% When you get a core injury, they likely won't completely heal until they get a good month to 6 weeks off the ice (read - offseason). He's also still very young. He has more to learn about being a centre, and can improve on faceoffs. I think the Jets need to bring in a specialist to train our centres in taking draws, as I think we can definitely get better at it, not only with our FT centers, but with converted wingers like Perrealt, Copp, Wheeler.

 

[Adam da bomb]

I agree on most everything you say, but still think it’s a bit early to declare us a clear cut winner of that trade. He clearly was a factor in a couple victories but has been next to invisible at times. Probably realizes he won’t be paying the price under Maurice for lack of effort like he did under Torts.

If we get the guy we have seen glimpses of as a Jet, the player who got under the Leafs skin, then yes, I think we clearly won that trade. If he doesn’t sign here, well...we’re fooked.

No more fooked than if laine wouldn’t sign here. Let’s say pld doesn’t play great it’s still addition by subtraction. The team, seems more united without laine. Also as fans on here we don’t need to deal with the headache of all the “laine fans” blaming everyone else for laine’s shortcomings.
Also you say pld knows he won’t have to pay the price for lack of effort but which of our players don’t try? Some are just not very good like Thompson and beaulieu but it’s not because of lack of trying.

 

[Slimy Sculpin]

I think that Dubois has all sorts of potential to be an outstanding forward for the Jets but it may not be at centre in particular at centre with Ehlers and Connor on his wings. I see Dubois as more of a straight lines sort of guy (for you old-times, Le Gros Bill-like) whereas Ehlers and to a lesser degree Connor get a little to "fancy, schmancy" as Craig Button noted the other day. Dubois seems to be having problems adjusting to their quickness and creativity. Stastny might be a better fit centring that line. At this point, I think he "sees" the ice better than Dubois and seems to be able to better anticipate innovative moves by his wingers. I liked what I saw of Dubois on the wing and that may be the way to go for now. Just my opinion.

 

[Adam da bomb]

I think that Dubois has all sorts of potential to be an outstanding forward for the Jets but it may not be at centre in particular at centre with Ehlers and Connor on his wings. I see Dubois as more of a straight lines sort of guy (for you old-times, Le Gros Bill-like) whereas Ehlers and to a lesser degree Connor get a little to "fancy, schmancy" as Craig Button noted the other day. Dubois seems to be having problems adjusting to their quickness and creativity. Stastny might be a better fit centring that line. At this point, I think he "sees" the ice better than Dubois and seems to be able to better anticipate innovative moves by his wingers. I liked what I saw of Dubois on the wing and that may be the way to go for now. Just my opinion.

But kfc has shown he can play straight lines with csw so either move stas back to centre or swap Ehlers and Wheeler.

 

[LowLefty]

But kfc has shown he can play straight lines with csw so either move stas back to centre or swap Ehlers and Wheeler.

One of those options may happen although I'm hoping they sort it out with PLD.
The challenge is playing with Ehlers - he cuts back to the center of the ice - a lot, and it throws the center off - he doesn't know where to go and usually is just getting out of the way and watching the play develop.

Ehlers can help PLD in this transition if he were to stick with the wing position and maybe minimize the cut backs a bit.
I'd like to see all three involved in the rush and that will require a little more passing and a little less individual play by one winger.

This take is not suggesting Ehlers completely change his game - but he might need to adjust it a bit to allow all three to take part in the rush and allow more options in the ozone - by options I mean playmaking that will require all three to play heads up hockey and keep an eye out for passing options. PLD could help turn this line into more than it is - more driving the net and more tick tack toe.

 

[Adam da bomb]

One of those options may happen although I'm hoping they sort it out with PLD.
The challenge is playing with Ehlers - he cuts back to the center of the ice - a lot, and it throws the center off - he doesn't know where to go and usually is just getting out of the way and watching the play develop.

Ehlers can help PLD in this transition if he were to stick with the wing position and maybe minimize the cut backs a bit.
I'd like to see all three involved in the rush and that will require a little more passing and a little less individual play by one winger.

This take is not suggesting Ehlers completely change his game - but he might need to adjust it a bit to allow all three to take part in the rush and allow more options in the ozone - by options I mean playmaking that will require all three to play heads up hockey and keep an eye out for passing options. PLD could help turn this line into more than it is - more driving the net and more tick tack toe.

I’d like kfc to stop trying to pass all the way across the ice. When there is no play dump it in. Both wingers could play smarter.

 

[Teemusalami204]

__________________________________________________

The "very best" thing the Jets did, was to get rid of Laine. He's a very slow and awkward skater that plays a soft game. He may score 40 - 45 goals in a couple years, but Connor will likely out produce him, and so will Scheifele, and Ehlers. Also PLD will not be far behind him in production, and likely will put up more points on average per year.

Ask yourself this -- if you took Laines shot away, from that spot he shoots from, what kind of hockey player do you have? Also the guy will want $ 9-10 million per year, so you can't sign other needed players, like a good defenseman. What good is that for a "limited player" ??

There's no doubt in my mind, the Jets won this deal by a mile, when you look at the Jet's needs, and consider the whole picture.

I don’t about won the trade by a mile. So far pld hasn’t even been that good.

 

[LowLefty]

I’d like kfc to stop trying to pass all the way across the ice. When there is no play dump it in. Both wingers could play smarter.

He's usually looking for a passing opportunity coming through the neutral zone or on entering the ozone.
Passes don't always work but at least he is trying to get something going that involved the line.

 

[Adam da bomb]

He's usually looking for a passing opportunity coming through the neutral zone or on entering the ozone.
Passes don't always work but at least he is trying to get something going that involved the line.

Yes I’m a fan of him but sometimes it would be better if he didn’t force them and just dumped the puck in. Turnovers are killer just for trying to be cute. If there is no one on ur side of the ice to pass to. Dump.

 

[Hunter368]

Personally I've been very happy with PLD so far, he's playing well (see comments below), adjusting to the team systems and new players faster then expected IMO. Guys on HNIC last night commented on it also, real ex-NHL player (who has a more informed opinion then most HFB posters do on adapting to a new team & systems) commented on it saying how impressed he's been with PLD so far and his adjustment to new systems, coaches and linemates.

I do think some fans look at these situations and over simplify them, thinking any player in the NHL can simply switch teams, systems, coaches and line mates with zero time or a few games only to adapt to them........sure maybe few superstars can do that, maybe even a few non superstars can......but a significant chunk can't. PLD isn't playing at his CBJ level yet and that's to be expected with so a short time with his new team. Also I think some were wrongly expecting Mark S 2.0 in PLD, well PLD plays a very different style of game then Mark even when he's playing at his best. Don't expect the quick stick handling of Mark or the flashy turns and cut backs either........PLD plays a more power game then Mark ever has...........PLD will never score as many points as Mark has in his peak, but PLD more phyiscal play and defensive responsibility then Mark does. Mark impacts the score sheet more then PLD, but PLD impacts more things not recorded on a scoresheet then Mark does. One area I think both Mark & PLD could improve on now with practice is their FO ability, neither are strong at it and it's one thing you can learn with practice.

I keep saying to people, hold off judgment until after the season is over, then we shall know exactly what we have in PLD. I've said the same thing to fans about Laine & Jack, they started fast and since have fallen off, especially Laine........I keep saying don't judge them either until after a full season is over, then you will know what you have in both Jack & Laine.

 

[Whileee]

I think people need to pump the brakes a bit on their proclamations on PLD. He's still only played a handful of games with us, after sitting a long while and getting likely a groin injury which does not just become 100% When you get a core injury, they likely won't completely heal until they get a good month to 6 weeks off the ice (read - offseason). He's also still very young. He has more to learn about being a centre, and can improve on faceoffs. I think the Jets need to bring in a specialist to train our centres in taking draws, as I think we can definitely get better at it, not only with our FT centers, but with converted wingers like Perrealt, Copp, Wheeler.

I agree. I am seeing some signs of PLD starting to settle in and really contributing. Last game I thought the main problem on that line was Ehlers, who messed up several good rushes and cycles by making poor plays or fumbling the puck. The positive aspect of PLD on that line is that he's good at supporting the puck in the D zone to create zone exits. By the way, has anyone mentioned how clueless Connor was on the Gallagher goal when he basically left him all alone and hedged back to the point man instead?

 

[Jets 31]

I agree. I am seeing some signs of PLD starting to settle in and really contributing. Last game I thought the main problem on that line was Ehlers, who messed up several good rushes and cycles by making poor plays or fumbling the puck. The positive aspect of PLD on that line is that he's good at supporting the puck in the D zone to create zone exits. By the way, has anyone mentioned how clueless Connor was on the Gallagher goal when he basically left him all alone and hedged back to the point man instead?

I think Connor was staring at Booboo lying on the ice and couldn't believe what he was seeing.

 

[LowLefty]

I agree. I am seeing some signs of PLD starting to settle in and really contributing. Last game I thought the main problem on that line was Ehlers, who messed up several good rushes and cycles by making poor plays or fumbling the puck. The positive aspect of PLD on that line is that he's good at supporting the puck in the D zone to create zone exits. By the way, has anyone mentioned how clueless Connor was on the Gallagher goal when he basically left him all alone and hedged back to the point man instead?

Yes, I mentioned it in the GDT - didn't think it was clueless but each to their own:

"Looks like he was stuck between covering the right point and the front so he dropped down lower between the two options - he didn't anticipate the spin around back hand pass to the front and he guessed wrong.

Looks like everyone was a bit too casual on that play including KC, PLD and both Dmen who were playing the puck carrier and ended up below the goal line when it went in - ugly situation".

It's interesting that the poster I was replying to was wondering why he was playing so low - I'd say he saw two options for the pass and chose the wrong one - he's the guy that is supposed to be taking care of the lane to the blue line so I'm not going to beat him up too much on that one.