Who should be our top pair RD?

[Frk It]

It seems like the consensus for most is that Dekeyser will play the left side on the top pair. So who would you all like to see on the other side?

edit-- can a mod make this a poll for me? I thought I did, but guess not.

Click to read more...

 

[Number1RedWingsFan52]

Unless a trade is made, And that's highly doubtful. I'm thinking as of now that the top pairing will be Danny DeKeyser-Mike Green not sure who else could do it unless Brendan Smith plays RD.

 

[Frk It]

Unless a trade is made, And that's highly doubtful. I'm thinking as of now that the top pairing will be Danny DeKeyser-Mike Green not sure who else could do it unless Brendan Smith plays RD.

I believe he (Smith) has played more RD than LD in his career. I think the only other option I'd consider is Marchenko, but that would have to be a leap of faith. I think he plays the type of game that could withstand expanded minutes though, maybe. But he also is a guy that has been injury-prone, so not sure you want to bump his minutes.

 

[Hammettf2b]

I wouldn't mind seeing the following...

DDK-Green
Kronwall-Smith
Big E-Marchenko

 

[Wood Stick]

Everything depends on consistent play IMO. From preseason I've still seen a boneheaded Brendan Smith. Style wise, he'd make some sense. However, if Danny DeKeyser is ready to take that next step offensively which I think he's capable of, you go with Marchenko. DeKeyser putting up 40 points with a reliable DD in Marchenko gives you a top pairing that can shut down top lines and play with the skilled guys.

DeKeyser-Marchenko

After that, I don't know. I'm really worried with Smith/Ericsson/Ouellet/Sproul. I kind of like the idea of Jensen but that's just me. Not on the top pairing, but playing.

 

[TCNorthstars]

It has to be Green. It has to be. I like Marchenko a lot, but not in the 1 RD role.

 

[InjuredChoker]

jacob trouba.


i'm waiting kenny, make it happen.

 

[RedMenace]

As the roster sits now, it's gotta be Green.

 

[Henkka]

There's no TOP pair. Just three 2nds, where every one of them have a specific role.

 

[iDangleDangle]

There's no TOP pair. Just three 2nds, where every one of them have a specific role.

More like two 2nd pairings and one utterly medicore at best 3rd pairing.

 

[Pavels Dog]

There's no TOP pair. Just three 2nds, where every one of them have a specific role.

Basically this..

Dekeyser-Marchenko : #1 ES + PK

Kronwall - Green : #2 ES + PP

Ericsson/Ouellet-Smith : #3 ES + PK

I'd love it if we could dump Smith though. I see no role for him on this team.

 

[Frk It]

There's no TOP pair. Just three 2nds, where every one of them have a specific role.

We can't lean on a top pair like we should be able to. Or like a lot of other teams can. But someone is going to get the most minutes at ES and along with that some tougher matchups.

 

[Number1RedWingsFan52]

I wouldn't mind seeing the following...

DDK-Green
Kronwall-Smith
Big E-Marchenko

This is pretty much my thinking as well, This is the D pairing that i think Blashill will eventually go with and Ouellet as the 7th D man more then likely.

 

[RedMenace]

There's no TOP pair. Just three 2nds, where every one of them have a specific role.

Barring a trade, it's going to be another "Defense by committee" year to be sure.

 

[Number1RedWingsFan52]

jacob trouba.


i'm waiting kenny, make it happen.

Have a feeling that you will be waiting a long time then, Have zero faith that Holland will ever make a trade for a D man doubt he will even bring Fowler home.

 

[obey86]

Everything depends on consistent play IMO. From preseason I've still seen a boneheaded Brendan Smith. Style wise, he'd make some sense. However, if Danny DeKeyser is ready to take that next step offensively which I think he's capable of, you go with Marchenko. DeKeyser putting up 40 points with a reliable DD in Marchenko gives you a top pairing that can shut down top lines and play with the skilled guys.

DeKeyser-Marchenko

After that, I don't know. I'm really worried with Smith/Ericsson/Ouellet/Sproul. I kind of like the idea of Jensen but that's just me. Not on the top pairing, but playing.

DDK won't touch 40 points unless he's on the power play.

 

[Number1RedWingsFan52]

Everything depends on consistent play IMO. From preseason I've still seen a boneheaded Brendan Smith. Style wise, he'd make some sense. However, if Danny DeKeyser is ready to take that next step offensively which I think he's capable of, you go with Marchenko. DeKeyser putting up 40 points with a reliable DD in Marchenko gives you a top pairing that can shut down top lines and play with the skilled guys.

DeKeyser-Marchenko

After that, I don't know. I'm really worried with Smith/Ericsson/Ouellet/Sproul. I kind of like the idea of Jensen but that's just me. Not on the top pairing, but playing.

DDK would need to get tons of PP time to be able to put up 40 points, Not sure that will ever happen.

 

[InGusWeTrust]

I don't have the article(I think it was posted here?) but it sounded like it was DDK-Smith doing alot of practicing as a new pairing this season.

Dont quote me on that unless you found the link

 

[HIFE]

Marchenko>>>>Smith

I'm not sure what is best. Most teams don't seem to be loading their top pairing as much, instead distributing strength to the top 2 pairings. Blashill seemed encouraged by Marchenko's WC I wonder if this is a plan or just an experiment for tonight.

Barring injuries I want less line juggling than last season. It takes weeks and weeks to establish chemistry, especially for D-men. The Wings should have a solid idea of what guys are capable of and stay with the plan.

This is horrible to say but I have this sinking feeling Kronwall may not ever return.

 

[Number1RedWingsFan52]

I don't have the article(I think it was posted here?) but it sounded like it was DDK-Smith doing alot of practicing as a new pairing this season.

Dont quote me on that unless you found the link

Wouldn't surprise me none, Not sure if Blashill would be comfortable with DDK-Green Green is probably more suitable for the 2nd pairing with Kronwall and i seriously doubt right now that Marchenko could handle top pairing minutes. So Smith would make far more sense.

 

[Vladdy84]

Smith

 

[Rzombo4 prez]

Basically this..

Dekeyser-Marchenko : #1 ES + PK

Kronwall - Green : #2 ES + PP

Ericsson/Ouellet-Smith : #3 ES + PK

I'd love it if we could dump Smith though. I see no role for him on this team.

I don't like Smith's passing and decision making, but he is miles ahead of XO as an NHL defender.

 

[njx9]

I'd rather DDK was paired with someone who's a stronger passer; I don't think that is Marchenko. Seems like Green or Smith would be the current, obvious candidates (though I sure wish we could get Sproul or Russo a chance, neither could really make the defense any worse).

 

[Bench]

Green is our top guy at this spot. We're really going to see what he's made of this year.

 

[Frk It]

DDK won't touch 40 points unless he's on the power play.

Which he shouldn't be.