Line Combos: HFPens Decides - Marino's Partner

[Ugene Magic]

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

I don't think Matheson's ever going to reach his potential plodding alongside someone like Ceci or Ruhwedel. I know Schultz got sheltered minutes alongside weaker guys when he first got here, but my gut feeling is that anyone but Marino as Matheson's partner is setting him up for failure. Can't gamble like that on a guy who makes that much money and is on that shaky ground.

Put him in the best position to succeed. If Marino can make JJ look like more than an ECHL-level guy, he's perfect for insulating Matheson and allowing him the creative and offensive freedom to utilize his physical tools and talent.

 

[canadianguy77]

I'm torn. I like the idea of having one really good skating defenseman on each pairing, which would mean Matheson goes on the bottom pairing, but I think we insulate our weaknesses better if Matheson and Ceci aren't on the same pairing.

You know what’s better than having 1 good skating dman on each pairing?

I think the league has changed so much over the last decade that even 1 plodding dman is going to hurt you. We all saw the damage that JJ could do to, even on games where they would by and large outplay the other team. I would love be to have all 4 lines having the mindset of attacking, and having 6 dmen who can skate is only going to help.

 

[Gurglesons]

You know what’s better than having 1 good skating dman on each pairing?

I think the league has changed so much over the last decade that even 1 plodding dman is going to hurt you. We all saw the damage that JJ could do to, even on games where they would by and large outplay the other team. I would love be to have all 4 lines having the mindset of attacking, and having 6 dmen who can skate is only going to help.

Tampa just won with Luke Schenn and Bogosian and Dallas had a broken down Sekera.

 

[Harvey Birdman]

He does have some good songs. Would he sign a cheap one year deal? Probably good lockerroom morale!

 

[Harvey Birdman]

 

[OtherThingsILike]

I think Marino is the best option for neutralizing Matheson's turnovers, so I'd go with Matheson for Marino's partner.

 

[kladorf2005]

Am I the only one who thinks Marino should be on top pair? This isn't 2017 anymore. Letang's days as a top pairing D-man are behind him. And that's an easier pill to swallow with how Marino looked last year.

Letang drops to 2nd pairing. Marino moves up to top pair. And for that reason, my vote is Dumolin.

 

[BHD]

It would be wise to have Marino babysit Matheson, even though the latter is the veteran. Sigh...

 

[Tom Hanks]

Am I the only one who thinks Marino should be on top pair? This isn't 2017 anymore. Letang's days as a top pairing D-man are behind him. And that's an easier pill to swallow with how Marino looked last year.

Letang drops to 2nd pairing. Marino moves up to top pair. And for that reason, my vote is Dumolin.

You and @SouthGeorge

 

[Flying Dego]

You and @SouthGeorge

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Voted for Dumo bc that pairing was absurdly good last year. Surprised at the lack of votes there. But totally get it won’t happen, and you do have to break up one of the best pairings in the league to do it.

If not Dumo prob Petts, but had to think hard about Matheson.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Honestly do not like the idea of Petts-Ceci/Ruh too much. I think that pair would massively struggle to move the puck.

But idk if I want Matheson there either, especially if it’s Ceci as 3RD.

 

[Jobeycool]

Don't like are pairing defense at all anyways...not good enough. Except for Matheson brings more speed.....voted for Domoulin.. not much you can do but draft some defenseman..

 

[Peat]

Am I the only one who thinks Marino should be on top pair? This isn't 2017 anymore. Letang's days as a top pairing D-man are behind him. And that's an easier pill to swallow with how Marino looked last year.

Letang drops to 2nd pairing. Marino moves up to top pair. And for that reason, my vote is Dumolin.

Probably. Letang looked a 1D to me until he lost Dumo and got JJ, and Marino still has a bit to prove before he should be logging as many minutes as Letang. Even if he does prove it - that just means two 1Ds, and limited time for the third pairing. 1A and 1B.

Honestly do not like the idea of Petts-Ceci/Ruh too much. I think that pair would massively struggle to move the puck.

But idk if I want Matheson there either, especially if it’s Ceci as 3RD.

I think Pettersson's best puck moving - and play - has come when the onus has been on him to be the outlet. It's when he's asked to be the more steady guy with someone like Schultz (or to an extent Marino) he seems to have struggled to the eye test.

 

[Gurglesons]

Am I the only one who thinks Marino should be on top pair? This isn't 2017 anymore. Letang's days as a top pairing D-man are behind him. And that's an easier pill to swallow with how Marino looked last year.

Letang drops to 2nd pairing. Marino moves up to top pair. And for that reason, my vote is Dumolin.

Dumoulin - Marino would be a good shut down pair, but that leaves you with Pettersson - Letang which still gives you Matheson - Ceci or Matheson - Letang which I think is a bad fit.

 

[CrosbyMalkin]

Probably. Letang looked a 1D to me until he lost Dumo and got JJ, and Marino still has a bit to prove before he should be logging as many minutes as Letang. Even if he does prove it - that just means two 1Ds, and limited time for the third pairing. 1A and 1B.



I think Pettersson's best puck moving - and play - has come when the onus has been on him to be the outlet. It's when he's asked to be the more steady guy with someone like Schultz (or to an extent Marino) he seems to have struggled to the eye test.

I think Pettersson was fine with Marino but I believe Matheson could take off with Marino. I also saw how well Pettersson was able to play with JJ. JJ was moved to his off side and that pairing still looked decent while playing 2nd pairing minutes. If Pettersson could do that for JJ then he could definitely help Ceci. I think with Pettersson as his partner Ceci will be fine. I don't have that faith if it is Matheson. Matheson will do well though for the Pens.