Loktionov and Zubrus are both good 2-way players. With Zubrus at center, I don't think that line would be too troublesome in it's own zone.
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SteveCangialosi123
Registered User
Agreed. That would be an interesting line. Lokti certainly isn't big or strong, but he's a smart player, works hard, and was always in good position last year. Him and Zubie make for good line mates actually. Both solid on d(Zubrus is better though), Zubie brings the size/puck control, and both have good on ice vision. Those 2 with a scorer like Ryder would be really good as well I think. There's so many combinations I bet we see some bingo balling again. As long as we score I don't care who's in or who's on what line.
- May 1, 2011
- 130,270
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I think we'll see some bingo balling too. Unless a line gets hot and sticks.
I don't have the energy to put together every possible line combination. Just remember, righties on right, lefties on left, Jagr and maybe Zubrus aside.
I don't have the energy to put together every possible line combination. Just remember, righties on right, lefties on left, Jagr and maybe Zubrus aside.
He's played 87 games in the NHL and 135 in the AHL. There's a number of of accounts about how he's been used and he's often considered a quality 2-way player who's been effective and hard working at 5 on 5 and the penalty kill.
I don't think we saw a lot of his 2-way ability in his time in Newark, but that doesn't mean it's not a part of his game anymore.
Loktionov is not a two-way player. There is a reason why him and Clarkson were really the only two regular forwards last year to not even sniff PK time.
If you want to put a label on his game, he is a play-making center who, by chance, happens to have a very high shooting percentage (which will certainly regress) and a low assist total (which will certainly improve.)
If you want to put a label on his game, he is a play-making center who, by chance, happens to have a very high shooting percentage (which will certainly regress) and a low assist total (which will certainly improve.)
I think we'll see some bingo balling too. Unless a line gets hot and sticks.
I don't have the energy to put together every possible line combination. Just remember, righties on right, lefties on left, Jagr and maybe Zubrus aside.
The Devils don't have the roster for an ideal setup. They're gonna ice a team with 2 second lines, and two 3rd lines for the most part. The only question is in what combination.
I'd say the reason is because Loktionov was never gonna bump Zajac, Elias, Zubrus, or Henrique out of a PK spot after coming from a new team. Calling him a "two way forward" was probably an unnecessary exaggeration on my part, but I really don't get the idea that he's not a responsible forward.
Zajac, Elias, Zubrus, Henrique, Carter, Gionta, Josefson, 17, and Ponikarovsky all played substantial PK time. It's not like we relied on 4 guys, we've always asked everyone to play on the PK unless they're incapable. Even Kostopolous has nearly triple the PK time Loktionov had, but that could be mop up time. Although I think Kostopolous started a PK once for whatever reason.
Zippy316
aka Zippo
Loktionov isn't really a two-way forward, not sure where this is coming from.
He's smart defensively and reliable, but by no means would I put him in a category with guys like Elias, Zajac, Zubrus, Henrique, etc. I will say that when he's on the ice, I'm a lot more comfortable in him defensively then I am for someone like Tedenby.
If you wanted, he probably could get PK time, but with the amount of forwards we have that can play that role, he's better getting offensive minutes 5-on-5 and hopefully some PP time.
I've said this before, but I don't think it was really liked, but my ideal set-up, with three "second" lines would be:
Elias-Loktionov-Jagr
Clowe-Henrique-Ryder
Olesz-Zajac-Zubrus
I see those as three different lines with three different roles, all getting the same amount of ice time 5-on-5.
He's smart defensively and reliable, but by no means would I put him in a category with guys like Elias, Zajac, Zubrus, Henrique, etc. I will say that when he's on the ice, I'm a lot more comfortable in him defensively then I am for someone like Tedenby.
If you wanted, he probably could get PK time, but with the amount of forwards we have that can play that role, he's better getting offensive minutes 5-on-5 and hopefully some PP time.
I've said this before, but I don't think it was really liked, but my ideal set-up, with three "second" lines would be:
Elias-Loktionov-Jagr
Clowe-Henrique-Ryder
Olesz-Zajac-Zubrus
I see those as three different lines with three different roles, all getting the same amount of ice time 5-on-5.
Want to talk about two way liability go no further than Gionta. He cost us with his defensive play many times.
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- Feb 5, 2010
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About all I can really see here is that Elias and Jagr need to play together and the forth line should remain the same with Olesz in place of Gionta if necessary. Otherwise it's tough to really put the rest together logically. Nothing jumps out at me as being obvious. Any other line combinations with the remaining players could either work well or fail miserably. I have no idea.
Loktionov isn't capable of playing on the PK. He can't play wing and he can't win a faceoff. You don't want a player like that playing a man down.
Missionhockey
Registered User
Isn't that a little generous? The only two I think would probably be a lock for 20 are Elias and probably Jagr. I don't think you can throw Zajac in the mix for somebody that's a lock to get goals since he hasn't proven that he can do it with out Parise. I guess you can throw Henrique in there but he's a young player who has also never done it before. Anyway, heres are my line:
Elias-Zajac-Ryder
Clowe-Henrique-Jagr
Olesz-Loktionov-Zubrus
Carter-Josefson-Bernier
If the faceoff thing is important, I guess Henrique, Elias, and Zubrus shouldn't be playing the PK anymore either. We can't pair EVERYONE with Zajac.
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those guys are at least respectable at FOs
Loktionov is literally among the worst in the NHL (along with Gionta, who also inexplicably plays on the PK)
Zubrus is good at faceoffs, he just get tossed out alot. Elias and Henrique are both in the 45 to 50% range which is acceptable. When you're a center posting faceoff numbers in the 30s, you have no business on the PK. Faceoff winning is very important, but it extremely crucial in killing penalties. That's part of the reason why Zajac is such a good PK-er. If you win the first draw, you can kill 15-20 seconds off the penalty almost immediately.
Benedict Parisechuk
Army of Pandolfo's
Ryder will easily score 20 as long as hes healthy. Henrique, even in a sophomore slump, was on pace for 20 last year. I fully expect him get at least 20-25 this year.
Just a gut feeling, but I think Zajac is going to have a huge year. I can see 25+ goals and a top 3 finish for the Selke. Again, just a gut feeling. I am basing this off absolutely nothing. Wishful thinking, I suppose.
Zajac belongs in the top 3 conversation, but the media is just going to pencil in Datsyuk, Bergeron, Toews, and/or Kesler in their top 3 without putting any more thought into it.
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I think hes just as good as Toews defensively
I think hes better than Kesler defensively
I don't think hes as good as Datsyuk or Bergeron defensively
I think hes better than Kesler defensively
I don't think hes as good as Datsyuk or Bergeron defensively
Zajac will do fine this season with better line mates. He missed Parise and didn't do well with Kovy. He needs to be on the same line to develop chemistry.
I agree 100%. He already deserves consideration for the Selke, so if he puts up 25+ goals he might win it, because for some stupid reason you can't win it without having a ton of points now.
