Team looks phenomenal. Very excited
You don’t suppose that there’s a solution to the second line problem that DOESN'T involve Pastranak being taken off the first line?
Grzelcyk was fenomenal. He has that amazing feel for 'distance' if that makes sense. He knows exactly how long he can wait with the puck before he makes a pass or skate out, he can really create space for himself.
For instance, he is waiting (slowly skating not standing still) in our zone somewhere around the points marks, when both teams change, opposing forechecker comes closer and he had that perfect timing when he starts moving his legs and jumps forward or lateral. But the point is, that he is dictating the distance and the pace at that very moment, he is in control. It almost feels like he waits a moment too long sometimes, to lure opponent in and then outsmarts him. He has that little, almost invisible, 'matrix' moment.
It doesn't show up on the scoreboard but he is very good at the entire process of starting things up. Again, little move to throw one of their players out, skate forward and make an outlet pass, that's his thing...and we are leaving his decent D game out of this. He was excellent yesterday.
Great find.
Very satisfying win.
As David Krejci goes, so goes the 2nd line.
He played his best game of the season last night. He was doing his matrix thing, slowing the play down, creating passing lanes and his compete was much better as well. He made a couple of ill-advised passes when he was being pressured that put teammates in bad spots, but other than that he was excellent.
I wonder if Donato sitting was a much a message to Krejci as it was Donato? I thought Nordstrom was good, but I’m not ready to pencil him in as the 2nd line RW. There was a play in the first period that illustrates my issue with him in the Top 6. DeBrusk drove the net and zipped a low hard shot from the right circle. A shot like this is designed to force the goalie to give up a rebound to his right. The F2 is supposed to drive the net in that area to get the follow up chance. This is something that you teach Pee Wees and was pretty obvious. Instead of going to that area, Nordstrom went to the front of the net at the crease area and completely, far too deep to make a play. If there were 3 on the rush that would have been great as he drew the D to the front with him.
It’s a minor play, but tells me that he is a defensive player at heart. His goal was created by making a very strong defensive play in the NZ and then going in with 46 on a traditional 2 on 1. I’m happy that he and the line played well, but I don’t see him as a long term solution there.
But I thought the season was over when they got smoked by the Caps in Game 1? And definitely waved the white flag by putting Nordstrom on the second line in Game 4.
Good post. I'm not sure Nordstrom did anything wrong last night...In fact he created opportunities for his line-mates. If his style continues to create opportunities and prevent goals he will stay on that 2nd line. For the first time in a long time I really enjoyed watching the 2nd line play with energy and puck pursuit. He may stick.
If he does stay on the 2nd line that leaves the 3rd line as the only unproductive red herring line. The line doesn't appear to have any chemistry, doesn't create any scoring opportunities and through 4 games haven't registered a single point. The battle there will soon become Heinen, Bjork, and Donato and big question marks regarding the center position. I would like to see Backes in out of line up with Heinen and Donato playing center. Call up Cehlarik. Bjork - Heinen/Donato - Cehlarik. That I see as a dangerous line that would give teams problems.
Rick Nash?
Putting one of Donato, Heinen, Bjork, or Cehlarik in that RW spot and leaving them for more than one game or a couple of periods?
There might be a solution other than dropping Pasta down, but I’m pretty sure Nordstrom riding shotgun and forcing DeBrusk to play his off wing is NOT one of them. My point was, if they are willing to experiment with Nordstrom, why not try Pasta there? I honestly don’t care what they do, as long as the 2nd line is viable and produces before the playoffs, I’m good.
I just don’t think putting your three best offensive players on one line when you don’t have players with legit Top 6 offensive ability (to stock the 2nd line) is a good idea.
what we need to do is get rid of Backes (pretty impossible) and get a good 2nd line wing. I would gladly dish Krug for that wing, if there are takers. Having Krug, Macavoy and Grzelcyk on the same team is such a defensive liability, that one of them must go.
So wait, Krejci played with Nordstrom? I missed the game, had to watch it on my phone via nhl.com while I was working...was literally skulking around.
Sucks I missed out on Killer fighting! But it's good they're taking care of business against mediocre teams.
Gotta be honest, I know he's not the same man he once was, but I still miss Looch...
Looked good for ONE game.
Did you watch the game last night? Two of those three “defensive liabilities” were very good in their own end last night. Grizz in particular was excellent.
It was obviously a tactic of EDM’s to try to get some big bodies on Grizz. Lucic was frequently matched up with him and I was surprised at how 48 was able to completely neutralize Looch on the rush. I’m sure there will be times when Grizz gets overpowered by big F’s...last night was not one of those times.
From what I saw it him last night he was not good. Absolute turnover machine and noticably slow on every play...Fun Game.
I know Looch isn't the player he was in 2011 but he is just such a good guy and I will always wish him the best.
This post nails the love many of us have for Gryz...I can't think of anyone who plays/played like him. He has a very unique way about him.
I don't think so. Even his tip last night felt lucky. Like Riley Nash this makes it more intriguing if he needs to slot up but I don't see this guy ever scoring 40 points on the NHL.Was Nordstrom a star in the game? Maybe he has untapped scoring potential? I don't think he does but look what Tierney is doing for the sens and he was a throw in the karlsson deal. Maybe Nordstrom a free agent nobody wanted gets on fire .