Werzoth Posted July 3, 2012 Report Share Posted July 3, 2012 This is a solid lineup actually. I like the idea of Galchenyuk centering Gionta and Pleky. He'd learn from two great defensive players how to play in both ends of the ice. And they would likely hold their own offensively. I just hope that Galchenyuk clicks with any two wingers on the team and gets playing time. If not, there's always next year. But it's hard to see the team right now doing anything more than last year. It's the same team, but with the addition of two very gritty character players. Sounds good, but doesn't solve the scoring issue. If Gally and any of our other rookies don't click, I can see the team ending up near the bottom again... and there would be some definite changes. But I have faith in Therrien's system and hope he gives the young guys a shot but also hopes he inspires Plekanec and Bourque to have better seasons. I think that's the key right now, hoping that some players have a better year than last year. Now the first line had a very good year, can they repeat? That's yet to see. Gionta was hurt most of the season, so if he can score some goals, that's already a plus in the goals production. Bourque we can only hope he comes back strong, that would add several goals as well to our total. Eller should improve, more goals there as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIASUN Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 I justified my thinking about Gomez in his thread, I really think I am onto something. He's going to be here, lined up like this: Pacioretty - Desharnais - Cole Need to duplicate/improve last years performance...unlikely. 17-19 mins a night. Eller - Plekanec - Gionta Lars needs to make "the jump" for this line and TEAM to be successful this year. 17-19 mins a night. Bourque - Gomez - Armstrong Colby's tenacity and hunger better wear off on the other 2 "bounce-back" guys. 3 35-45 point scorers. 12 mins. Moen - White/Noke - Prust The house will be rocking cuz it's Saturday night! 8-12 mins. Gorges - Subban Not a true number 1 pairing. Our's nonetheless. 20-25 mins. Markov - Emelin I hope Pre-Lucic Komi ends up meeting pre-Gauthier Markov. 20-22 mins Kaberle - Bouillon Why do I wish this was 2006? 15-16 mins Price Vezina or lottery. Budaj needs 15 games. I do not HATE that above lineup, thats not a contending team but it will be competitive, tougher to play against and with a couple of bounce-back/breakout performances it will challenge for a spot from 6-10, which to be honest is where we should aim at this stage while awaiting expiring contracts, buyouts and developing youngsters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roy_133 Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 I'm not moving Eller from center for Gomez, Eller's future in this league is as a center IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jbaker8787 Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 Ya as much as I'd hate to say it I'd almost rather Gomez put on the wing and whoevers looking better between him and Bourque should play on the second unit, unless they both stink it up again, short leash for both. Only way I see Eller converted is if they want to keep Pleks and DD long enough for Galchenyuk to come into the league, in which I believe Eller is more of a long term plan than DD. They also need to make a decision with Leblanc this year too, if they think he will fit better on the wing you have to keep him there in Hamilton so he can get used to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIASUN Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 I'm not moving Eller from center for Gomez, Eller's future in this league is as a center IMO. Fair enough. I see Galchenyuk as our future number 1, Plekanec as our number 2 for the next several years, I'm hoping Lars is a top 6 offensive player rather than a 3rd line center. Here's a chance to give him a go full-time with 2 talented, yet responsible players. Again, in the Gomez thread I say I'm hoping Geoffrion, Gallagher or Leblanc snatches Gomez roster spot with an outright TKO but we both know a tie/decision is going to the contract. The reality is there's no other place to line Gomez 7 million dollars up besides 3rd line center or first line AHL. He's not good or big enough to play wing on the second line, isn't feisty enough for a 4th line energy role. Secondary scorer or AHL player, that's all I see Gomez as. I prefer AHL. Won't be shocked by NHL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roy_133 Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 Fair enough. I see Galchenyuk as our future number 1, Plekanec as our number 2 for the next several years, I'm hoping Lars is a top 6 offensive player rather than a 3rd line center. Here's a chance to give him a go full-time with 2 talented, yet responsible players. Again, in the Gomez thread I say I'm hoping Geoffrion, Gallagher or Leblanc snatches Gomez roster spot with an outright TKO but we both know a tie/decision is going to the contract. The reality is there's no other place to line Gomez 7 million dollars up besides 3rd line center or first line AHL. He's not good or big enough to play wing on the second line, isn't feisty enough for a 4th line energy role. Secondary scorer or AHL player, that's all I see Gomez as. I prefer AHL. Won't be shocked by NHL. I see Lars becoming possibly the ideal 3rd line center but if his offense develops Plekanec could be an elite 3rd liner or great trade bait. Either way, I'm not prepared to pull Eller from center for Bourque, he's big, good on the puck and I'd like to see him develop there. Could Gomez play wing on the 3rd line with Eller and Moen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIASUN Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 I see Lars becoming possibly the ideal 3rd line center but if his offense develops Plekanec could be an elite 3rd liner or great trade bait. Either way, I'm not prepared to pull Eller from center for Bourque, he's big, good on the puck and I'd like to see him develop there. Could Gomez play wing on the 3rd line with Eller and Moen? He could, but does that line have an identity? Not good defensively or offensively. Let's just hope Leblanc wins the 3rd line winger spot and Gomez goes to the AHL. I'm optimistic about Bergevin's vision for the team. He knew the team was soft and addressed it right away. I also respect that he knows the 2nd line spot/top 4 are issues but isn't willing to sell the farm for either like the lunatics in Detroit and Pittsburgh before the next CBA. He's hoping to compete/contend for a playoff spot, save some financial flexibility, let the youngsters Galchenyuk/Gallagher/Beaulieu/Tinordi develop all while entertaining us with some ol' time 4th liners and hard hitting defenders. I'm ok with all of this. Whatever the lines are, the team will be better than 15th next year and certainly more fun to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THEBIGGESTHABSFAN123 Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 Fair enough. I see Galchenyuk as our future number 1, Plekanec as our number 2 for the next several years, I'm hoping Lars is a top 6 offensive player rather than a 3rd line center. Here's a chance to give him a go full-time with 2 talented, yet responsible players. Again, in the Gomez thread I say I'm hoping Geoffrion, Gallagher or Leblanc snatches Gomez roster spot with an outright TKO but we both know a tie/decision is going to the contract. Well, Pleks will probably start getting old and not as good so we could use him on the 3rd line or as trade bait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennifer_rocket Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 I'm not moving Eller from center for Gomez, Eller's future in this league is as a center IMO. Agreed. I want to see Eller centering the third line for the ENTIRE 2012-2013 season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennifer_rocket Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 Max Pacioretty - David Desharnais - Erik Cole [left winger] - Tomas Plekanec - Brian Gionta Rene Bourque - Lars Eller - Travis Moen Brandon Prust - - Colby Armstrong Petteri Nokelainen, Ryan White I think Louis Leblanc is an option to fill the fourth line center role, but not the second line left wing (he's a right-handed shot). Palushaj could potentially fill the second line left wing position, but he's also a right-handed shot. I would personally rather see both guys in Hamilton anyway. Brendan Gallagher, same thing. Right-handed shot. Gabriel Dumont and Blake Geoffrion are also options for the fourth line center position. I think I would prefer Blake Geoffrion in the role, assuming he has a good camp. I think he's the most ready to graduate from the AHL and I think he's the most suited for a fourth line role in Montreal. I'm also wondering if perhaps we would see Moen moved to play second line left wing again. Max Pacioretty - David Desharnais - Erik Cole Travis Moen - Tomas Plekanec - Brian Gionta Rene Bourque - Lars Eller - Colby Armstrong Brandon Prust - Blake Geoffrion - Ryan White Petteri Nokelainen, Mike Blunden. Could be possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennifer_rocket Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 Also, just for fun. Max Pacioretty - David Desharnais - Erik Cole Lars Eller - Tomas Plekanec - Brian Gionta Rene Bourque - Scott Gomez - Travis Moen (most expensive third line in hockey! ) Brandon Prust - Blake Geoffrion - Colby Armstrong Petteri Nokelainen, Ryan White. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grecohab Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 Also, just for fun. Max Pacioretty - David Desharnais - Erik Cole Lars Eller - Tomas Plekanec - Brian Gionta Rene Bourque - Scott Gomez - Travis Moen (most expensive third line in hockey! ) Brandon Prust - Blake Geoffrion - Colby Armstrong Petteri Nokelainen, Ryan White. Who plays center in the 4th line? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennifer_rocket Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 Who plays center in the 4th line? Geoffrion or Nokelainen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grecohab Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 Geoffrion or Nokelainen. I thought Geoffrion was a left winger... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nine1One Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 I thought Geoffrion was a left winger... Both, Sorta like white. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SebastianLane Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 Pacioretty-Desharnais-Cole Galchenyuk/Plekanec-Galchenyuk/Plekanec-Gionta Armstrong-Eller-Prust Moen-Nokelainen-Bourque White Subban-Gorges Markov-Emelin Diaz-Boullion Kaberle Price Desjardins Send Budaj and Gomez to Hamilton, and this is only what we have right now. I'm sure there will be one or two more additions to come, but I'd be happy with this lineup. You could even move Galchenyuk to the 3rd line and switch him with either Armstrong or Eller. Just my two cents. The only problem for me is that Geoffrion, Gallagher, Leblanc, etc. don't make the team. I'd prefer if the Habs let their young guys have a shot, and they will when injuries come, but i'd prefer to see them in the opening lineup. I just can't figure out where to put them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTed3 Posted July 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 If we sign someone else to play LW on the 2nd, then yes by all means play Eller as the 3rd line center. But if the plan is to play Bourque on the 2nd line, then it really leaves very little to put with Lars. Like many, my preference is to play him as a center, but with DD and Pleks still here and Gally coming up (in combination with our paucity of top 6 LW's), I think the best thing that could happen to Lars is for him to play LW in the top 6. We can argue that his skillset is best suited to being a center, but at the same time, he's not very effective in the face-off circle. Ultimately, I think the most important thing for his development (and our assessment of him) is to see him play alongside two guys with talent. I don't want to see him playing with moen and Armstrong or Prust and Gomez. I honestly couldn't care who Bourque plays with but in Eller's case, I want to know what he can do when placed with talent. I'd have no issue leaving him at center on the penalty kill, but at even strength who he plays with outweighs what position he plays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Werzoth Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 White should be centering the 4th line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THEBIGGESTHABSFAN123 Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 I'd rather Nokelainen or White on the 4th line than Geoffrion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennifer_rocket Posted July 5, 2012 Report Share Posted July 5, 2012 I'd rather Nokelainen or White on the 4th line than Geoffrion. Why? Nokelainen showed very little last season when he played with us and White was injured for more than half the year. Blake Geoffrion is too developed for Hamilton and belongs in the NHL, IMO. I would like to see what he can do with the fourth line center position out of camp. I don't really think we NEED White in the lineup with the resigning of Travis Moen and the acquisition of Brand Prust. Both are players that should be getting ice time ahead of White and also provide a physical edge to our bottom six. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisGoalie39 Posted July 5, 2012 Report Share Posted July 5, 2012 Alright I am deciding to go against the grain on this one. A lot of people are talking about lines lacking identity and not knowing where to put certain players and also unsure of who should centre. SO... here's the deal. Montreal definitely needs to address its centre issue (we're looking like Edmonton of a few years ago now with all these darn centres) The biggest thing is figuring out who plays centre. I have picked 6 players who I believe can only be centremen or should be developed as such. Those players are Desharnais, Plekanec, Gomez, Eller and Galchenyuk. And I think we can all agree that none of those players should be on the fourth line. That leaves 3 spots to be filled and 5 players. We saw last year some players sharing the centre role (like Plekanec and Eller). Other teams have also done this. So that's what my suggestion is, sharing centre positions. What I also suggest is something little to no people are going to suggest.. and that is breaking up the Cole, Pacioretty, Desharnais line. I know it's crazy... but hear me out. Pacioretty and Desharnais have a great chemistry dating before Cole arrived. If my memory serves me right, Pacioretty had something like 14 points in the 19 games prior to "the incident". He was playing with Desharnais and they were tearing it up. Now where does Cole go? SCORING (16~ MINS) Gomez - Plekanec - Gionta SCORING (16~ MINS) Pacioretty - Desharnais - Armstrong SCORING (16~ MINS) Eller - Galchenyuk - Cole CHECKING (12~ MINS) Moen - White - Prust Gorges - Subban Markov - Emelin Kaberle - Bouillon Weber Price Budaj I have some s'plainin to do... Alright so the first three line share the workload because realistically we don't necessarily have a top line like the Penguins, Flyers, Kings, etc. I think the "smurf line" of Gomez Plekanec Gionta can get it done, as much as they're a pretty small line. I just hope Gomez and Gionta can get some chemistry back. Also, Gomez and Plekanec can share that centre role. As for the Pacioretty Desharnais Armstrong line, I think it doesn't diminish the line at all because Armstrong plays a really tough game and drives the net like Cole. (May not be as good as Cole, but he will produce with Pac and DD). The Eller Galchenyuk Cole line My favourite. Cole was a great mentor for Pacioretty and now they almost mirror each other. Now Cole will be playing with two centremen so it's a different situation. But, he can at least teach Gally and Eller lots and who knows, maybe he can develop Eller into a winger. But realistically I think that Eller and Galchenyuk should share that centre position. Eller has so much skill, great hands and as we saw last year, he can put the puck in the net. Cole drives the net hard and opens up lots of space down low. This is the perfect line for Galchenyuk who has RIDICULOUS hands and great vision. It would be interesting to see him play with guys like Eller and Cole because you know they're going to put the puck in the net if Galchenyuk gets it to them out front. Fourth Line is the sandpaper line. Lots of hits and potential to put up their fair share of points as well! White is my favourite player to watch on this team. Last year when he made his return, he played the first shift of the game and he set the tone from the get go hitting anything and everything in sight. Just had to throw that in there. Everyone appreciated White's hitting and fighting last year. I think he has a place on this team. One player who does not is Bourque. If he proves himself in camp he can go somewhere on there. If Gomez gets bought out, he'll take that spot. But I truly think he will be traded for some picks after all this Bobby Ryan, Rick Nash stuff is done with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennifer_rocket Posted July 5, 2012 Report Share Posted July 5, 2012 Creative idea, Chirs. I have no problem with splitting up the top line of Desharnais, Cole, and Pacioretty. I think that Pacioretty and Cole can both be very effective away from Deshnaris. Although Desharnais I'm not so sure about. Flanking him with the two big wingers probably helps him a lot. I would like to keep one of Pacioretty or Cole with him, for sure. Most likely good ol' "Patches." Max Pacioretty - David Desharnais - Brian Gionta [missing LW] - Tomas Plekanec - Erik Cole Rene Bourque - Lars Eller - Travis Moen Brandon Prust - Blake Geoffrion - Colby Armstrong Petteri Nokelainen, Ryan White Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeanCountingHab Posted July 5, 2012 Report Share Posted July 5, 2012 If we did decide to break up the DD line, I wonder how Bourque would look alongside David? As a more one dimensional goal scorer I think Bourque could be a better fit with DD than he is with Pleks. So you'd have something like this: Bourque-DD-Cole Patches-Pleks-Gionta Moen-Eller-** Prust-Noki/White-Armstrong ** = open competition at camp between Gomez, LeBlanc, Palushaj, Gallagher, etc. Maybe swap Armstrong with Moen depending how Colby looks at camp/preseason. Edit: Obviously this scenario assumes we do not acquire or sign a top 6 LW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jbaker8787 Posted July 5, 2012 Report Share Posted July 5, 2012 Bourque-DD-Cole Patches-Pleks-Gionta Moen-Eller-** Prust-Noki/White-Armstrong ** = open competition at camp between Gomez, LeBlanc, Palushaj, Gallagher, etc. This is one of the better scenarios I've seen, although I like the Bourque and DD tandem I'd put them on the second line with Gionta and have Patches,Pleks and Cole face the opposing team's top lines Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeanCountingHab Posted July 5, 2012 Report Share Posted July 5, 2012 This is one of the better scenarios I've seen, although I like the Bourque and DD tandem I'd put them on the second line with Gionta and have Patches,Pleks and Cole face the opposing team's top lines Also feasible, my only hesitation would stem from having two very small guys on the same line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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