I think the lines are fine the way they are. The top six should not be changed. If Hagelin isn't a playmaker for his line, and we know he is not a finisher, then what is he?
Sheahan can hopefully find new life here and up his game.
Something to consider in theory too: if Sheahan and Hornqvist develop any chemistry, then Hagelin doesn't need to be part of a cohesive line. He can, as Jiggy said, just be the defensive presence and force turnovers with his speed. The line does not have to work as a 3 man offensive unit.
this is something worth of discussion. I really think that defending is more of a state of mind than skill. I mean it does not help that these two lines are pretty much worked out and like it or not, coming back and backchecking is sort of a nuisance now. Its more fun when puck is moving forward but backchecking and skating back not so much...I am sure this would change comes play off, but do not expect much improvements especially during the young season
however the bottom line can't score, now we are talking skills...
Agreed. Why can't Sullivan roll this top 9...I agree to a point. Certainly Sid & Geno are capable of better. But some guys, even when fully engaged, simply aren't great at making the reads and winning board battles in their own zone. I'm looking at Kessel and Sheary in particular here. Guentzel is smart and tenacious but he's not superb either. Rust is the best defensive winger of the 4 currently in the top 6 but I don't think he's outstanding.
To me its a really obvious switch to bring one if not both of Hags and Horny into the top 6, and put Sheary and maybe Rust on the 3rd line to give it some skill.
Agreed. Why can't Sullivan roll this top 9...
Guentzel-Crosby-Hornqvist
Hagelin-Malkin-Kessel
Sheary-Sheahan-Rust
Both Sheary and Rust seem to play better in their prefered wing spot, Sheary-LW, Rust-RW.
I think it's a bit of a myth that Rust is a great or very good defensive forward. I don't see him winning a lot of puck battles or him being sound positionally on defense or being a great backchecker. He's ok most of the time, sometimes he's very good, but nothing more, imo.
I know I argued loudly to the contrary almost all of last year but I'm personally just about done watching BOTH Malkin and Kessel mope around out there like they'd rather be taking a bubble bath with their grandmothers. Spread their demotivation over two lines. At least for now.
Hopefully this would also have the side benefit of giving Sheahan some quick motivation by providing some offense. Something he sorely needs to remember he's capable of.
I don't know. I honestly think McKegg fits Kessel's playing style better.
I know I argued loudly to the contrary almost all of last year but I'm personally just about done watching BOTH Malkin and Kessel mope around out there like they'd rather be taking a bubble bath with their grandmothers. Spread their demotivation over two lines. At least for now.
Hopefully this would also have the side benefit of giving Sheahan some quick confidence to his game by providing some offense. Something he sorely needs to remember he's capable of.
You missed two words, I said "pretty" good and "almost" all the time.I don't think he's nearly as bad as some try to paint him. And I especially get cranky when people get all bugged about him turning the puck over here and there. But I don't think I could ever characterize his defensive acumen as "good all the time."
I dunno. That line looks like a trainwreck most nights. At least to my eyes. If it weren't for two of the games he's played out of six, there would likely be a raging thread right now about what's the matter with Geno and what can we trade him for. So I'm not super pleased with their raw production, even.
Jake-Sheary combo hasn't been great this season. Hopefully they pick things up 5on5. If not, stop with the non-sense and put Horny where he belongs.
Also Hags-Sid-Horny vs FLA was really good...
Especially this last year. He was insane. I like that he comes in and takes it easy at first, but he has been really engaged since Shattenkirk started him up. As nice as it is to see, we need to see Sid/Geno get some relaxing games until January. We cannot kill them.Geno was like a 3rd Dman both cup runs. When it counts, he is really good defensively.