The Fremen wanted to design a team that not only could present challenges,, but also have the ANSWERS to the challenges presented to us. Our front office wanted players that were not only talented, but were proven winners. We wanted to be a team that would be very hard to play against. A matchup problem for any team it faces. The Fremen FO feel they have accomplished their goals on all fronts.
We knew there would be problems presented by the all time greats of the game, and we know that no team is going to entirely stop these guys. Therefore, we wanted the last line of defense to be super strong. And with so few elite goalies around, getting one of those was a high priority. So when these players gets their chances, and they will, we will have Martin Brodeur front and center, in goal.
And we knew to minimize the challenges our goalies would see, we would have to be VERY STOUT on D. So moving out from goal, we wanted a defensive corps up to the task at hand. We knew that this league, regular season and the playoffs would feature some of the best power forwards over the last 40 years. Guys that play not only a "heavy" game, but a heavy and skilled game. And to combat that, we wanted BIG, SKILLED, HEAVY, DEFENSIBLY RESPONSIBLE defensemen that could skate well. But there aren't many that can check off all those boxes. The Fremen believe they have such Dmen. 6-6, Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, 6-4 Shea Weber, 6-6 Kjell Samuelsson. We believe we will be one of the best equipped teams to handle lines like, "The Legion of Doom". Super Mario's line. The Malkin/Ovie/Tarasenko line, The Thornton line, with Benn and Iginla. And other great players and lines that present a significant challenge to any defense with their combination of size and skill. So when playing against such lines, our coach will have the option of combining 2 of those 3 dmen, and be able to match up well. Those mentioned players, and others of that ilk, have the ability to physically dominate other teams, with size and skill. We have the players that won't be dominated in that facet of play. And will present their own problems for opposing lines/matchups. These guys aren't just big, for size sake, but are big and talented.
Also targeted, were very good defensive forwards, in having the ability to employ a shutdown line. But one that could also take advantage of good defensive play and counter. We feel we did this with our 3rd line. A line that can be used to specifically matchup on a top line, be hard to play against, and have the ability to add secondary scoring. Toews centering a Kirk Muller, and Justin Williams will provide just that. And in late in game, while protecting a lead, we can double up on centers, having Rod Brind'Amour with Toews and one of the wingers. Giving us 2 center men on the ice for any important face-offs Those players just mentioned have a combined 7 Stanley Cups, and 2 Conn Smythe's among them. Defensively strong players that could also lead a team in playoff scoring. Which is what Toews and Justin Williams did on their cup teams. And Kirk Muller was 2nd in playoff team scoring when he won the Cup with the Habs.
Every team has elite players, and matchups will be key. The Fremen believe with their draft plan in place, knowing the challenge faced, have assembled a team that is up to the challenge.
Lw-Luc Robitialle C- Messier RW-D. Alfredsson
Our top line features the Captain, Mark Messier, the only player to captain two different franchises to Stanley Cup victories. Lucky Luc, a natural goal scorer, one of the best LW's in history. And the excellent two way play of Alfie, Daniel Alfredsson.
LW-Michel Goulet C-Dale Hawerchuk RW--Tony Amonte
Our 2nd line, is a "finesse" line of 3 scoring beasts. Goulet, another premier LW in NHL history with 7 seasons of 40 or more goals, and 5 of those over 50. Dale Hawerchuk, overshadowed by the best centers of his era in Gretz, Mario, and Messier, was nonetheless a terrific player over his career. And Tony Amonte was consistent scorer and two way player.
LW--Kirk Muller C-Jonathan Toews RW-Justin Williams
I've already mentioned this trio of playoff warriors. They will give our coach the option playing matchups.
LW--Brian Bellows C-Rod Brind'Amour RW--Tim Kerr
With the first 3 lines getting the lion's share of minutes, the 4th line participants themselves, will still have tremendous value. Especially in the special teams department. Tim Kerr, one of the best net front presence players of all time, will be planting his ample self very near the blue paint on first unit PP. Brind'Amour will be jack of all trades. Can move up to any of the lines if injuries happen. Will be used on the PK. And in late game situations, to have a line with 2 centers, protecting a lead, and provide face-off insurance. Bellows also will see PP time, mostly on the 2nd unit, and be a great fit to move up if injuries befall any of our LW's.
D-1 Pairing
Chris Pronger-----Erik Karlsson
Pronger was definitely a big target of ours going into the draft. We wanted at least one of Pronger, Chara, or a Derian Hatcher. His size and strength will be needed against some of the behemoth power forwards that we will face. Pronger was tough SOB, and very talented. He was the defensive bedrock of a dominant Ducks Cup winning team. And in Erik Karlsson, we have one of the premier offensive defensemen of his era. In his prime, before injuries hit, his wheels were extraordinary. And he can be a one man zone entry when things get clogged up, especially on the PP. At times when facing some of the heavier teams, our coach will move Karlsson to D-2, and bring up Shea Weber, to have a twin towers of defense.
D-2 pairing
Steve Duchesne----Shea Weber
Duchesne was a very mobile, very slick, good two way defensemen. Able to make a great first pass, and skate the puck out of the zone. He can play in all situations. And will do so, EV, PP and PK. Shea Weber is a beast. One of the hardest shots in NHL history. His shot is lethal and will be working his magic on the PP. He has averaged over 24 minutes a game in his career, and can also be trusted to play in all situations. A fixture on various Team Canada entries into international play. Which is impressive considering all the options they have.
D-3 pairing
Mark Giordano-----Kjell Samuelsson
Giordano is having a Norris type season. He is another Dmen on our team that can excel in all situations. He is very adept offensively as well on defense. In Kjell we have a defensive defensemen that has an enormous wing span and uses it to his advantage. 6-6, 230 pounds, he can easily size up against the biggest forwards this tournament has to offer. Very happy to have Kjell on the team.
Goalies.
S- Martin Brodeur-Our starter, and one of the game all time greats in the net. 3 time Stanley Cup winner. Won several Vezinas and Jennings trophies. And the Calder. Even though the trapezoid is in effect, he will still have that great ability to handle the puck, which might even be more pronounced in difference, between him and most other goalies.
B- Pekka Rinne--a big goalie at 6-5, that can move well. Can easily handle as many games as our coach will give him to keep Marty fresh for the playoffs.
Reserve- Ron Hextall--Won the Conn Smythe despite not winning the Cup.
Our other 3 reserves players--We have a big bodied 6-4 Vincent Lecavalier, adding to our desire to be strong down the middle, he will be able to step in at a moment's notice and fill in well. Bob Probert will be chomping at the bit if needed. Whether as a deterrent or a nuclear option, we love that Probert could not only demolish you when throwing hands, he could also play the game. Mike Ramsey, a defensive defensemen that is a tremendous shot blocker. We wouldn't hesitate to put such a player into the lineup.
(our PK and PP unit deployment is in our 1st roster post)