Line design
This is the way the lines are shaping up:
Forwards
Five of the top six are pretty much set in stone. There have been a few reports indicating that Bonk's role will be to replace Juneau as the checking line centre. That's somewhat of a relief, to have his role defined rather than having him and Ribeiro duke it out for the second 'scoring' line.
Bulis is mentioned as a natural linemate of Bonk, as that has been his role for a couple of seasons. However, I think Bulis still has some untapped offensive potential and it would be nice to see him get some opportunities on the top lines.
Hossa and Sunny find themselves in the top 12 only because of age/contract issues. They, and Dagenais, should bust their butts to earn a spot.
The Habs have a logjam of skilled young forwards looking for spots: Plekanec, Perezhogin, Higgins, Kostitsyn, Hossa, Latendresse... Too many to all make the NHL with this club. It's a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless - no one wants to see one of these kids turn into a star for another team.
I have Vandermeer in the top 12, because it's very likely we'll see the team carry an enforcer. Whether it will be Vandermeer, time will tell.
Defense
Again, five of the six are set in stone. My pairings are a guess. Only Francis "Bubble" Bouillon has a chance of losing his job to Hainsey and/or Streit.
With the rule changes I think it would be wise to carry an extra defenseman or two on the roster. With the obstruction crackdown and limit on goaltender puckhandling, they may be on the receiving end of more big hits. In fact, they're more likely to get into penalty trouble as well, so having seven on a game sheet wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Goal
With Huet out until 2006, the fight for the backup job is a little more interesting. Is either Danis or Halak really ready for the big leagues?
Forwards
Five of the top six are pretty much set in stone. There have been a few reports indicating that Bonk's role will be to replace Juneau as the checking line centre. That's somewhat of a relief, to have his role defined rather than having him and Ribeiro duke it out for the second 'scoring' line.
Bulis is mentioned as a natural linemate of Bonk, as that has been his role for a couple of seasons. However, I think Bulis still has some untapped offensive potential and it would be nice to see him get some opportunities on the top lines.
Hossa and Sunny find themselves in the top 12 only because of age/contract issues. They, and Dagenais, should bust their butts to earn a spot.
The Habs have a logjam of skilled young forwards looking for spots: Plekanec, Perezhogin, Higgins, Kostitsyn, Hossa, Latendresse... Too many to all make the NHL with this club. It's a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless - no one wants to see one of these kids turn into a star for another team.
I have Vandermeer in the top 12, because it's very likely we'll see the team carry an enforcer. Whether it will be Vandermeer, time will tell.
Defense
Again, five of the six are set in stone. My pairings are a guess. Only Francis "Bubble" Bouillon has a chance of losing his job to Hainsey and/or Streit.
With the rule changes I think it would be wise to carry an extra defenseman or two on the roster. With the obstruction crackdown and limit on goaltender puckhandling, they may be on the receiving end of more big hits. In fact, they're more likely to get into penalty trouble as well, so having seven on a game sheet wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Goal
With Huet out until 2006, the fight for the backup job is a little more interesting. Is either Danis or Halak really ready for the big leagues?
posted by Jeff J at 2:48 p.m.
3 Comments:
Welcome to the blogosphere. You are doing a great job so far!
Any more news on Plekanec would be greatly appreciated since his posse back in Czechia is waiting for him to get his shot...otherwise he may go back to Kladno
Yeah, nice blog. I like the header photo-- I know a band that used it for one of their record covers once.
Thanks fellas.
Jes - with so many good forwards competing for spots, it's hard to say. I believe both Plekanec and Hossa are old enough to have to clear waivers to be sent down to Hamilton. Also, people are raving about Perezhogin at camp. I'll keep an eye on the situation.
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