I would put Zhugin with Morneau and Spellacy and drop Smith with Nesbitt and Martin on the 3rd line.
Zhugin has struggled lately 1 point in last 6 games an assist.
Like I mentioned earlier with Zito gone and Outwater out would have been good line for Zhugin,now he needs play on one of top 2 lines.
After last night Spits are now 1-0-1-1 in their last 3,2-1-1-2 in their last 6,3-3-1-2 in their last 9.
Also of note Spits were 4-16-1 before coaching change
Since then in last 31 games they are 12-13-3-3 with 3 more road games and multiple player moves.
I’d also like to see those lines..
Zhugin has more offensive potential. Smith/Nesbitt/Martin creates as close to a “checking” line as we’ll get.
Morneau/Smith/Abraham are likely the OA group, I agree. But I also don’t think we will run 3 forwards as OA’s. I want to move smith, for anything, and bring in a gritty OA d man - per usual. I’d take Morneau over Smith, even more now than before. Morneau plays with more passion, and I think fits here, where smith may benefit from a scenery change. Smith being a Windsor guy may make the move unrealistic as I’m sure we owe an off-ice favor or something dumb.
We just have to accept Abraham is streaky and hope for the best next year. A Top 3 pick will do great. Wassiyln Watch is great, but a top 3, is fine with me. With our Saginaw Deals this year, a build around the 06 group and our draft picks.. I’m watching for a Misa deal in the future.
Spellacy is coming along, and I think he will become a more successful OHL player in his position than Christoforo. I’m not writing Christoforo off yet, D always take longer. My concern with 06’ group is Greentree leaves early. He’s often the only weapon, and even good teams can’t stop him.
Joeys been playing better but still fighting the puck a bit but I feel Donoso has helped settle him down over Michelone.
Spits are competing, and still losing ground. Good.
The W’s are coming at home too… which is great for sustaining attendance in a major down year.
