Malkin, Crosby, Kessel on different Lines?

[chrisp200]

There has been an assumption that Kessel will automatically play with Crosby or Malking (and he probably will) but thinking about how our first two lines have gotten shut down in the playoffs the past few seasons makes me think, if we get into a similar spot this year, it could be interesting to split up the stars.

The Good: One of the oppositions top (4) defense will not be able to match up against all three lines. I assume in Toronto, Kessel was always up against the oppositions top defensmen and he was still successful.

I know this is probably not ideal, but I wanted to get thoughts about running these three lines.

Kunitz - Crosby - Hornqvist
? Malkin - Perron
Plotnikov - Bonino/Fehr - Kessel

Click to read more...

 

[Giskard]

Not like it at all, sorry.

 

[NeedleInTheHay]

 

[Shady Machine]

Maybe Crosby and Malkin won't be shutdown if they have Kessel on their wing.

 

[chrisp200]

The first time they do it, I am bumping this thread for the trolls. ;/

 

[Penguinator]

Maybe Crosby and Malkin won't be shutdown if they have Kessel on their wing.

Not to mention a healthy Hornqvist & Perron (not gassed).

 

[Asuna]

Penguins acquire one of the top wingers in the game.

Put him on the third line.

Brilliant idea!!

 

[Speaking Moistly]

KCH, Perron on the RW and Kessel on the 3rd line. Genius, truly masterful. Maybe Letang can be Malkin's LW or Pouliot + Fleury for Couture.

 

[chrisp200]

Penguins acquire one of the top wingers in the game.

Put him on the third line.

Brilliant idea!!

Did you read the post?

So if we have 3 goals in 3 games against the Rangers again in the playoffs, do you just continue with the same lines or do you try something new?

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

The first time they do it, I am bumping this thread for the trolls. ;/

You may be right.

Of course that would also confirm that the coach is the amateur-hour doof that I kind of suspect him to be. But you may be right.

I kinda see where you are coming from, I guess. Crosby, Kessel and Malkin all love to have the puck on their stick. They are all gamebreakers. Spreading the wealth around might seem like a good idea on the surface. But I think it will prove much more useful to actually have Kessel provide direct support for the top two lines by being on one of them.

 

[66-30-33]

Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
BB-Malkin-Sundqvist
Perron-Bonino-Kessel
Plotkinov-Fehr-Hornqvist

Now let's get top 6 wingers, our bottom 6 is amazeballs.

 

[drpepper]

There has been an assumption that Kessel will automatically play with Crosby or Malking (and he probably will) but thinking about how our first two lines have gotten shut down in the playoffs the past few seasons makes me think, if we get into a similar spot this year, it could be interesting to split up the stars.

The Good: One of the oppositions top (4) defense will not be able to match up against all three lines. I assume in Toronto, Kessel was always up against the oppositions top defensmen and he was still successful.

I know this is probably not ideal, but I wanted to get thoughts about running these three lines.

Kunitz - Crosby - Hornqvist
? Malkin - Perron
Plotnikov - Bonino/Fehr - Kessel

Pens aren't winning if Malkin and Crosby are shut down completely. They have a better chance of not being shut down if Kessel play with one of them, Perron plays on the LW where he belongs, and Kunitz-Hornqvist is not a thing unless injuries and never in the playoffs.

They would be better off trying a monster line:

Malkin-Crosby-Kessel
Kunitz-Bonino-Hornqvist
Perron-Fehr-Dupuis
Plotnikov-Cullen-Bennett

 

[Wolf Without a Howl]

Did you read the post?

So if we have 3 goals in 3 games against the Rangers again in the playoffs, do you just continue with the same lines or do you try something new?

Sure try something new. But if that something new involves Kessel on the third line it's moronic.

 

[chrisp200]

Sure try something new. But if that something new involves Kessel on the third line it's moronic.

We haven't even seen how Crosby/Kessel or Malkin/Kessel will gel yet so I think you should reserve judgement.

 

[Son Goku]

Dan Bylsma is that you?

 

[Asuna]

Did you read the post?

So if we have 3 goals in 3 games against the Rangers again in the playoffs, do you just continue with the same lines or do you try something new?

Of course I read the post.

Kessel will help Crosby/Malkin to not get shut down. Move around everyone else except Crosby/Malkin and Kessel, to see what works.

 

[Asuna]

Pens aren't winning if Malkin and Crosby are shut down completely. They have a better chance of not being shut down if Kessel play with one of them, Perron plays on the LW where he belongs, and Kunitz-Hornqvist is not a thing unless injuries and never in the playoffs.

They would be better off trying a monster line:

Malkin-Crosby-Kessel
Kunitz-Bonino-Hornqvist
Perron-Fehr-Dupuis
Plotnikov-Cullen-Bennett

Amazing what having depth can do for the team.

 

[SaturdayNightSlegr]

You are advocating putting one of Crosby, Kessel, or Malkin on the third line. This is an unquestionably bad idea.

However, having not 2 but 3 world-class offensive players makes it much easier to have more double-shifting of them going on and get them out there against 3rd-pairing D men. i.e have them play top 6 AND bottom 6

 

[chrisp200]

Okay, I get it. It won't/shouldn't happen. It was just a thought and not something I think should happen. Just wanted opinions.

 

[Son Goku]

Why in the ****ing world would we move our best prospect, a 1st and other pieces to put an elite player in his prime on the THIRD LINE?

 

[Greeneye]

Worst idea ever.

 

[drpepper]

Okay, I get it. It's won't/shouldn't happen. It was just a thought and not something I think should happen. Just wanted opinions.

I don't think it's an idea totally without merit; however it is a last resort after trying every other permutation of Kessel with Crosby, Malkin or both.

 

[Mike Lange Version 2]

In a word, no. I don't think its a good idea.

HOWEVER, on a rare occasion where we can exploit a matchup, I'm all for putting Kessel on the 3rd line for a shift or two per game (no more than 10% of his ice time) just to freak out the opponent and maybe Kessel can get a goal. Let him swap with Bennett for those instances. Let Bennett get a little time on the top 6 to see if he can find his game there again.

I would never advocate for this permanently, but maybe in a couple games where the top lines are getting worn out by the other team's defense and they could use a jolt from the 3rd line, and seeing Kessel on it will make the other team **** bricks.

 

[Jacob]

**** off.

 

[Jacob]

The first time they do it, I am bumping this thread for the trolls. ;/

You have 114 posts but we're the trolls because we hate your stupid idea?