Gomez, Briere, Heatley, Erik Cole, Bertuzzi, Morrow, Malone, Erat are all proven, too. Didn't stop them from ending up at the bottom of the depth chart, beneath some unproven/unheralded kids.

Vinny's gotta prove that he can bounce back a la Brad Richards... otherwise it's 4th-line for him.
- Tomahawk

Misses the point, and is just another case of poor analysis. And just because that happened in those cases doesn't mean it will happen here. And the point is really comparing Akeson to Lecavalier. And what you omitted was that Akeson has to prove that he can play in the NHL, otherwise it's AHL time for him.

please operate within the parameters of the query
- BulliesPhan87

The reality is that there are more options then that. And LW shouldn't be an option.

Where's Wayne Train?
- BulliesPhan87

Brain fart. Geez.

Simmonds with couts and read. Coots and Simmonds have chemistry. I'd love to see them together 5 vs 5 more

Misses the point, and is just another case of poor analysis. And just because that happened in those cases doesn't mean it will happen here. And the point is really comparing Akeson to Lecavalier. And what you omitted was that Akeson has to prove that he can play in the NHL, otherwise it's AHL time for him.
- MJL

Past reputation doesn't amount to a hill of beans at the end of the day -- only production and fit matter.

If Akeson/Raffl/Pedobear are better lineup fits, they'll see the minutes over Vinny. If Vinny proves that he can be a net plus out there in an elevated role, he'll get the minutes.

Reputation/standing are essentially out the door after last season.

I really see no downside to this
- PhillySportsGuy

That's because there is none

Past reputation doesn't amount to a hill of beans at the end of the day -- only production and fit matter.

If Akeson/Raffl/Pedobear are better lineup fits, they'll see the minutes over Vinny. If Vinny proves that he can be a net plus out there in an elevated role, he'll get the minutes.

Reputation/standing are essentially out the door after last season.
- Tomahawk

I agree, but then why are you penciling in Akeson over Lecavalier in the lineup? What is that based on?

Ronaldo is worth his roster spot. People forget how many penalties he drew that led to goals.
- 28Girouxsalem28

I think you forget that he only drew 28 penalties, and took 42.

Ronaldo is worth his roster spot. People forget how many penalties he drew that led to goals. I think he is really coming into his own as a fourth line agitator. He takes stupid penalties but he also draws them too and at the right times. I'd rather have Ronaldo then white if I was choosing.
- 28Girouxsalem28

Rinaldo takes more penalties than he draws and outside of skating & hitting he has no NHL level skills. White can be physical and he's a better defensive player than Rinaldo

I agree, but then why are you penciling in Akeson over Lecavalier in the lineup? What is that based on?
- MJL

Why does it have to be one or the other. Cant we agree that both and many others should be out there instead of Rinaldo

So updated lines...in terms of ice time

Schenn-Giroux-Voracek
Read-Couturier-Simmonds
Raffl-Lecavalier-Akeson
Bellemare-White-Umberger

Past reputation doesn't amount to a hill of beans at the end of the day -- only production and fit matter.

If Akeson/Raffl/Pedobear are better lineup fits, they'll see the minutes over Vinny. If Vinny proves that he can be a net plus out there in an elevated role, he'll get the minutes.

Reputation/standing are essentially out the door after last season.
- Tomahawk

Let's not forget, Lecavalier is also limited to center, at least from what Berube has said. Akeson, Bellemare, Raffl, Umberger etc can all handle playing a wing, which could mean they fit better than Vinny.

Bill- THAT IS AWESOME, CONGRATS

now dont go all Hollywood on us

Why does it have to be one or the other. Cant we agree that both and many others should be out there instead of Rinaldo

So updated lines...in terms of ice time

Schenn-Giroux-Voracek
Read-Couturier-Simmonds
Raffl-Lecavalier-Akeson
Bellemare-White-Umberger
- Just5

If they have to keep Giroux & Voracek together, I'd be cool with those lines

Why does it have to be one or the other. Cant we agree that both and many others should be out there instead of Rinaldo

So updated lines...in terms of ice time

Schenn-Giroux-Voracek
Read-Couturier-Simmonds
Raffl-Lecavalier-Akeson
Bellemare-White-Umberger
- Just5

Yup, Raffl and Umberger might switch around, but that seems likes the best four lines if Laughton is going to start on the Phantoms.

If they have to keep Giroux & Voracek together, I'd be cool with those lines
- Jsaquella

With the way they talk about pairings and such, it's probably wasted breath to discuss splitting them up.

They're pretty much Bert & Ernie in Berube's eyes.

I agree, but then why are you penciling in Akeson over Lecavalier in the lineup? What is that based on?
- MJL

Fit and production (at ES).

Why does it have to be one or the other. Cant we agree that both and many others should be out there instead of Rinaldo

So updated lines...in terms of ice time

Schenn-Giroux-Voracek
Read-Couturier-Simmonds
Raffl-Lecavalier-Akeson
Bellemare-White-Umberger
- Just5

No, I don't agree with that. The best players should play. if Rinaldo happens to be one of them, then he should play.

Fit and production (at ES).
- Tomahawk

Doesn't answer the question. How do you know that Akeson is a better fit, and will be more productive? Akeson is a completely unproven player at the NHL level. And you just got done telling me, that the past doesn't matter, and that who is the better player going forward will play.

Let's not forget, Lecavalier is also limited to center, at least from what Berube has said. Akeson, Bellemare, Raffl, Umberger etc can all handle playing a wing, which could mean they fit better than Vinny.
- Jsaquella

Yeah, lot of people cite improved health as a possible linchpin, but it's curious that neither Hexy nor Chief (to my knowledge) have cited Vinny's back as the main reason for his struggles -- most of the talk has been centered on his level of preparation and unwillingness to adapt his game to help facilitate a fit.


BTW, Part 2 of BSH's interview w/ Hexy is up:
http://www.broadstreethoc...yers-forwards-steve-mason

Doesn't answer the question. How do you know that Akeson is a better fit, and will be more productive? Akeson is a completely unproven player at the NHL level. And you just got done telling me, that the past doesn't matter, and that who is the better player going forward will play.
- MJL

Completely?

I think Therien is kind of whiney on the radio at times. Hopefully he isn't as bad on TV this season. I guess he can't be any worse than Coates however

No, I don't agree with that. The best players should play. if Rinaldo happens to be one of them, then he should play.
- MJL

Rinaldo blows. He cant play special teams. He is a horrible defender. Akeson at least has an offensive element and can play on the PP2 unit. I'm confident that Akeson is better in his own end right now than Rinaldo. Akeson needs a longer look on the roster, and nothing in preseason will tell me that he shouldn't at least be on the roster. Unless the ghost of Jody Shelley enters his body

Congrats on the movie possibilities, Bill!

And count me among the many who would love to read more about Fred Shero.

I think Therien is kind of whiney on the radio at times. Hopefully he isn't as bad on TV this season. I guess he can't be any worse than Coates however
- eayost

Wait what? Is he replacing Coatsey?

How do you know that Akeson is a better fit, and will be more productive?
- MJL

The last 8 NHL-games suggest so.