2019-20 Habs Lines

[campabee82]

50 minutes ago, CaptWelly said:

Well last season Domi was far above JK , It's JK that has to prove the other. JK didn't even finish the year strong. I believe he will be much better this year but that still isn't a good reason to move Domi to the wing when he has proven he is effective at center and against top opponents. With todays game as fast as it is the "old" 1-2-3 even 4th line designations really don't mean that much anymore. I believe the team is much stronger with Danualt/Domi/JK all as centers with hopefully Poehling as 4th with sone special teams duties. Suzuki as center some day will probably work also , but in the interim I think he could be an effective winger and power play player. A great top nine I think is more effective than a loaded top six. Also with special teams everyone will get their ice time. Game by game ice time can adjust big time just by the opponent you're playing and home/away ect. At this point though if I "had" (which we don't) to switch either , I'd switch JK to the wing.

The first part doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me why would KK have to prove he is better than Domi at Centre? Moving Domi to wing over KK makes the most sense in that Domi has already played wing in the NHL.  Plus KK is better defensively than Domi which is what you want in a top 6 centre. To the last part I would say. If you don't think the league has the "old" 1-2-3-4 line formats look at the Habs lineup last year along with just about every other team in the league. CJ is an old style coach and likes the 1-2-3-4 line formats he isn't changing his coaching style over 1 summer.

[ramcharger440]

How about we wait to see if KK has the dreaded 2nd year slump before we decide where he should play... the guys are going to end up where they help us the most the only line i see not getting shuffled is Dano Gally and Tater. but we will see.

[habs1952]

9 hours ago, campabee82 said:

And I would argue that the reason KK is pointless so far is cause his wingers are holding him back. A game or two ago I saw him make a beautiful pass out from behind the net to a wide open Armia in the slot who then fanned on the shot if that was Suzuki, Byron, Domi, Tatar, Gallagher or even Drouin that puck would have been in the back of the net. 

We should just give him the MVP award right now. 

[maas_art]

2 hours ago, ramcharger440 said:

How about we wait to see if KK has the dreaded 2nd year slump before we decide where he should play... the guys are going to end up where they help us the most the only line i see not getting shuffled is Dano Gally and Tater. but we will see.

Tend to agree.  I think we will have a very strong top 9 so honestly, regardless of which line JK centres, I'll be happy.  Id much rather he centre the 3rd line than play wing on the second.  

Right now I think we may well see something like this to start the season: 

Drouin - Domi - Gallagher
Tatar - Danault - Suzuki
Hudon - JK - Lehkonen
Byron - Cousins/Thompson - Armia/Weal

Thats not too shabby.  We still have to probably move someone.  Wouldnt be surprised if there's a trade soon.

 

[I-Am-Canadian_mtl]

Where’s Armia? Hudon extra forward 

[campabee82]

On 7/12/2019 at 2:31 PM, BigTed3 said:

If it were my choice...

 

Drouin-Domi-Gallagher

Tatar-Kotkaniemi-Suzuki

Poehling-Danault-Lehkonen

Byron-Cousins-Armia

 

Mete-Weber

Kulak-Petry

Reilly-Juulsen

 

 

 

On 8/14/2019 at 2:37 AM, RyderRocks73 said:

Tatar Domi Poehling

Drouin Danault Gallagher

Lehkonen Kotkaniemi Armia

Byron Cousins Suzuki

 

Mete Weber

Chiarot Petry

Kulak Juulsen

 

Price

Lindgren

 

If Suzuki doesn't completely impress out of camp, then Evans takes his spot.

 

 

On 9/20/2019 at 8:26 PM, ahmedou said:

#August&September2019

Tatar/Danault/Gallagher

Domi/Kotkaniemi/Drouin

Lehkonen/Suzuki/Byron

Cousins/Weal/Armia

Mete/Weber

Chiarot/Petry

Kulak/Fleury

Price/Kinkaid

 

12 hours ago, campabee82 said:

I am going to assume Poehling is back in time for to start the season and has continued his push for a spot for at least the first 9 games for this lineup prediction. 

Tatar-Danault-Gallagher 

Domi-Kotkaniemi-Suzuki

Drouin-Poehling-Lehkonen

Byron-Evans-Armia

Hudon, Weal

Mete-Weber 

Chiarot-Petry 

Kulak-Fleury

Folin

Price

Kinkade

I don't like moving Domi back to the wing but to be honest KK has earned top 6 minutes and Domi doesn't make sense in the bottom six. I feel like Thompson may not have done enough to stay with the team so far with what Evans, Poehling and Suzuki have done. I wanted to add Leskinen to the left side but hesitateto add a 5th rookie to the lineup even though he has out played Chiarot so far. I also didn't want to leave him a the 7th dman just because he wouldn't benefit from that. Maybe he gets a 9 game tryout but unlikely.

 

12 hours ago, CaptWelly said:

JK is pointless so far this preseason and has done nothing to put himself above Domi in the center spot. I can definitely see Suzuki alongside Drouin/Domi/Suzuki. So I still see JK as the #3 center and I don't think 1,2,3 even mean that much anymore really. JK has potential but he's not there yet and there is no reason to move Domi from that center spot. It might even be better to have JK on Domi's wing. I still think if you want to get the full potential out of Drouin he needs to play with someone like Domi. Also like it or not the team actually needs Douin to a least be the scorer he can be. I hope that Suzuki can fill in Shaw's offense , I'm not sold on Lehk's adding that much more offense. I'm hoping Poehling does still get the 9 game try out as I think he brings something we need. He could probably play 4th Center and Wing and special teams.

 

2 hours ago, habs1952 said:

We should just give him the MVP award right now. 

So I have posted a number of others who have posted thier opinions on lineup formations at the top who have not garnered even a comment from most here but as soon as I post my opinion I get basically crucified makes sense. Even Ahmedou had posted a similar lineup to mine on Friday with Domi on the wing and no one even commented but I get sarcastic responses like let's give him the MVP  now nice to see everyone's opinions being valued and treated with the same respect thanks for that. 

[jennifer_rocket]

My preferred lines to start the season:

Jonathan Drouin - Max Domi - Brendan Gallagher

Tomas Tatar - Phillip Danault - Nick Suzuki

Artturi Lehkonen - Jesperi Kotkaniemi - Joel Armia

Nick Cousins - Nate Thompson - Jordan Weal

 

[Habs_Hockey_Nutz]

55 minutes ago, jennifer_rocket said:

My preferred lines to start the season:

Jonathan Drouin - Max Domi - Brendan Gallagher

Tomas Tatar - Phillip Danault - Nick Suzuki

Artturi Lehkonen - Jesperi Kotkaniemi - Joel Armia

Nick Cousins - Nate Thompson - Jordan Weal

 

likely lineup... though I'm not sold on Drouin meriting top line minutes... I think he is another bust and should be traded for a top LD.

[maas_art]

59 minutes ago, jennifer_rocket said:

My preferred lines to start the season:

Jonathan Drouin - Max Domi - Brendan Gallagher

Tomas Tatar - Phillip Danault - Nick Suzuki

Artturi Lehkonen - Jesperi Kotkaniemi - Joel Armia

Nick Cousins - Nate Thompson - Jordan Weal

 

I definitely like it with one change though:  I love Armia but I just dont think its fair to JK to keep giving him Lehks/Armia.  He doesnt need sheltering any more.  Id much rather try either Hudon or Weal on that line.  I feel like Lehks could be poised for a breakout but I think Armia is always going to be a complementary, defense-first player.   I think even Cousins on JK's wing may be a better option. 

 

1 minute ago, Habs_Hockey_Nutz said:

likely lineup... though I'm not sold on Drouin meriting top line minutes... I think he is another bust and should be traded for a top LD.

If Domi & Gallagher hustling everywhere doesnt help get his energy up, nothing will. 

[jennifer_rocket]

1 hour ago, Habs_Hockey_Nutz said:

likely lineup... though I'm not sold on Drouin meriting top line minutes... I think he is another bust and should be traded for a top LD.

That sounds kind of dramatic to me, man. He's had two seasons in a Montreal uniform. 46 points and 53 points. Would I like him to be a better player? Yes. Is he a bust? No.

[jennifer_rocket]

1 hour ago, maas_art said:

I definitely like it with one change though:  I love Armia but I just dont think its fair to JK to keep giving him Lehks/Armia.  He doesnt need sheltering any more.  Id much rather try either Hudon or Weal on that line.  I feel like Lehks could be poised for a breakout but I think Armia is always going to be a complementary, defense-first player.   I think even Cousins on JK's wing may be a better option. 

Hmm, I like it. I'd be down to swap Weal and Armia in my lines.

[ramcharger440]

4 hours ago, jennifer_rocket said:

That sounds kind of dramatic to me, man. He's had two seasons in a Montreal uniform. 46 points and 53 points. Would I like him to be a better player? Yes. Is he a bust? No.

Yeah he is far from my favorite player but not a bust, more disappointing i suppose.

[maas_art]

5 hours ago, jennifer_rocket said:

That sounds kind of dramatic to me, man. He's had two seasons in a Montreal uniform. 46 points and 53 points. Would I like him to be a better player? Yes. Is he a bust? No.

Agree.  He's frustrating because I believe he has the talent to be a 70+ point player but something just does not come together for him.  194 points in 322 NHL games = an average of 50 points a season at age 24.   No way thats a bust.  

[jennifer_rocket]

8 minutes ago, maas_art said:

Agree.  He's frustrating because I believe he has the talent to be a 70+ point player but something just does not come together for him.  194 points in 322 NHL games = an average of 50 points a season at age 24.   No way thats a bust.  

My hope is that he finds a way to cross the 60 point mark this season and improves his overall play without the puck. Fingers crossed.

[Habs_Hockey_Nutz]

18 hours ago, jennifer_rocket said:

That sounds kind of dramatic to me, man. He's had two seasons in a Montreal uniform. 46 points and 53 points. Would I like him to be a better player? Yes. Is he a bust? No.

 

13 hours ago, jennifer_rocket said:

My hope is that he finds a way to cross the 60 point mark this season and improves his overall play without the puck. Fingers crossed.

Well... IMHO, considering what many were led to believe about this potential star in the making, he has been far from impressive to that point. And, I fear it is wishful thinking that he can do better... what we have seen so far is what you get... and nothing more (not 70+ points... not even 60). I bet he is traded before long the same way Galchenyuk was. And to me that is a bust.

[maas_art]

Based on the cuts, the preseason games & the impact players had in training camp, this is what I think we're going to see to start the year:

Lehks - Domi - Gallagher
Tatar - Danault - Suzuki
Drouin - JK - Armia
Byron - Thompson - Weal
Extras:  Cousins/Peca/Hudon   (one of those guys is hitting the waiver wire alongside Weise)    

Mete - Weber
Chiarot - Petry
Kulak - Fleury
Extras:  Reilly, Folin  (One of those 2 is probably going down to Laval with Alzner)

Price
Kinkaid
 

I do think there's still a chance a guy like Hudon or Reilly gets traded before the season starts, but I think those are the way we're going to start the season.  If Poehling isnt back - or even if he is - i think being waiver-exempt means, much like Brook who was better than some players who were not cut, he starts the season in Laval.

[campabee82]

1 hour ago, maas_art said:

Based on the cuts, the preseason games & the impact players had in training camp, this is what I think we're going to see to start the year:

Lehks - Domi - Gallagher
Tatar - Danault - Suzuki
Drouin - JK - Armia
Byron - Thompson - Weal
Extras:  Cousins/Peca/Hudon   (one of those guys is hitting the waiver wire alongside Weise)    

Mete - Weber
Chiarot - Petry
Kulak - Fleury
Extras:  Reilly, Folin  (One of those 2 is probably going down to Laval with Alzner)

Price
Kinkaid
 

I do think there's still a chance a guy like Hudon or Reilly gets traded before the season starts, but I think those are the way we're going to start the season.  If Poehling isnt back - or even if he is - i think being waiver-exempt means, much like Brook who was better than some players who were not cut, he starts the season in Laval.

I kind of agree one thing I disagree about though is Brook I feel like while he was great Fleury beat him for the last spot on the right side therefore the reason he was sent down was cause there wasn't the room to keep him with Weber and Petry as well. Sending him to the press box isn't really beneficial so he ended up in Laval. Evans on the other hand I feel like was sent down cause he was waiver exempt he easily played better than the remaining guys fighting for the 4th line positions but sending Cousins, Hudon, Peca, Weal or Thompson down would result in them getting claimed therefore Evans was sent down.

[Habs_Hockey_Nutz]

To start the season

Lehks - Domi - Gallagher
Tatar - Danault - Suzuki
Byron - JK - Armia
Cousins/Peca/Hudon - Thompson - Weal
Extras:  Cousins/Peca/Hudon... If Poehling is ready he would replace any of the three while two would be demoted to the minor league (likely Peca and Hudon) and Byron would likely end up on the 4th line

Drouin (traded)

Mete - Weber... Pending a trade for a Left Defense that could include Mete
Chiarot - Petry
Kulak - Fleury
Extras:  Reilly, Folin

Price
Kinkaid

[BigTed3]

This is what I would run to start the year:

Tatar-Danault-Gallagher (with all the juggling in the pre-season, you need at least one line that is comfortable playing with each other)

Drouin-Domi-Suzuki (Suzuki has earned his shot. The Habs need Drouin going to boost his trade value... they need to put him with good players to make that happen)

Byron-Kotkaniemi-Lehkonen (JK eventually needs to swap with Danault eventually but I'd hold on that move for now until things settle)

Hudon-Weal-Armia (best of the rest)

Thompson as 13, Cousins at 14 if they keep 14

 

The D seems virtually set as

Mete-Weber

Chiarot-Petry

Kulak-Fleury

with the only question being whether they keep Folin or Reilly or both as extras.

 

[maas_art]

2 hours ago, BigTed3 said:

This is what I would run to start the year:

Tatar-Danault-Gallagher (with all the juggling in the pre-season, you need at least one line that is comfortable playing with each other)

Drouin-Domi-Suzuki (Suzuki has earned his shot. The Habs need Drouin going to boost his trade value... they need to put him with good players to make that happen)

Byron-Kotkaniemi-Lehkonen (JK eventually needs to swap with Danault eventually but I'd hold on that move for now until things settle)

Hudon-Weal-Armia (best of the rest)

Thompson as 13, Cousins at 14 if they keep 14

 

The D seems virtually set as

Mete-Weber

Chiarot-Petry

Kulak-Fleury

with the only question being whether they keep Folin or Reilly or both as extras.

 

I feel like you're pretty much spot on to what Julien might do.  I think the only variables will be who plays 4th line and who is in the press box. 

[campabee82]

Weise, Peca, Varone, Ouellet and Alzner placed on waivers for the puropse of sending them to Laval. All I can say is thank god lol

[maas_art]

8 minutes ago, campabee82 said:

Weise, Peca, Varone, Ouellet and Alzner placed on waivers for the puropse of sending them to Laval. All I can say is thank god lol

The right choices so far.  Very promising.  

Hopeful that Ouellet and Peca clear - i think both can be useful call ups if necessary. The rest, not as worried. 

[campabee82]

4 minutes ago, maas_art said:

The right choices so far.  Very promising.  

Hopeful that Ouellet and Peca clear - i think both can be useful call ups if necessary. The rest, not as worried. 

yes I agree, I am not sold on Varone either way though. He seems like he could be a decent 4th liner as he plays like Weal and Cousins, fast, tenacious and moderately skilled.

[H_T_L]

13 minutes ago, maas_art said:

The right choices so far.  Very promising.  

Hopeful that Ouellet and Peca clear - i think both can be useful call ups if necessary. The rest, not as worried. 

I'm not really worried about any of them to be truthful. We have enough kids in the system able to fill the roles that those guys bring. I would add Cousins and Reilly/Folin to that list, although having the depth on D sitting in Laval, in the way of seasoned veterans, is a good insurance policy. 

[maas_art]

58 minutes ago, H_T_L said:

I'm not really worried about any of them to be truthful. We have enough kids in the system able to fill the roles that those guys bring. I would add Cousins and Reilly/Folin to that list, although having the depth on D sitting in Laval, in the way of seasoned veterans, is a good insurance policy. 

No, and i get that.  I mean would i rather lose Peca and Oulette than say Brook, Evans or Leskinen ?  Yes of course, but i think there are some assets who are not really a huge value and there are some (Alzner, Weise) who are actually a negative value.   Pretty sure all clear so its probably moot but i could see a team that is really lacking Dmen taking a chance on Ouellet