Another think Id like to say is that our defence has looked really loose at least a few times every game. I would imagine that was something that has been looked at and maybe the coaching staff believed they needed more stable players back there.

How do the d line up now?

Letang Martin
Ehrhoff Lovejoy
Cole Scuderi
Pouliot

?
- stackthepads

Pardon my pessimism, but Lovejoy and Ehrhoff are a slow pairing. I think that is gonna be a weak point on the D. Ehrhoff IMO is not fast enough, couple that with mediocre Lovejoy. I'm gonna hope I'm wrong.

Not popular, but I sit Scuds for a few games and see what Pouliot has with one of the new guys. DP has played really well and it would be nice to see him rewarded for it.
- usethe1-2-2

I like Scuderi more than most. But I totally agree. I think the added experience allows them to play Pouliot.

Odd thing about Cole is that he didn't spend much time on the PK for STL, but that was a pretty deep defensive corps he's coming from. I'd feel more confident that Scuderi would sit if Cole had more PK on his resume.

I've refrained from harping on him this year. He's played much better. But I just don't know if he's got the hockey IQ or instincts for Johnston's system.

On page one someone argued against the idea that coaches and GMs know best, stating that they're not infallible.

While I agree that they're not infallible, it's an incontrovertible fact that the coaches and GMs have more information than we do.

I've always argued that just watching Despres play does not tell all of the story, and that the other half of the story is something that coaches and GMs are aware of.
- hardnosed

Its easy for us fans to critique GMs and Coaches but none of us have anywhere near the experience or knowledge that they do. People need to remember that they are management in the highest hockey league in the world. You arent gifted a postion like that. Mike Johnson has worked his whole life, he is in my opinion a hockey genius, and if you dont believe that you cant deny that he is a hockey expert.
GMJR is like 300 years old and has been around the game his whole life. He knows what it takes to win in this league and has brought in exactly the types of players we've been missing.
Shero made some really flashy trades, got us the big names, by JR has a plan you can see it developing with every player, and boy do we look good now.

Pardon my pessimism, but Lovejoy and Ehrhoff are a slow pairing. I think that is gonna be a weak point on the D. Ehrhoff IMO is not fast enough, couple that with mediocre Lovejoy. I'm gonna hope I'm wrong.
- nelson911

Lovejoy is a good skater.

Pardon my pessimism, but Lovejoy and Ehrhoff are a slow pairing. I think that is gonna be a weak point on the D. Ehrhoff IMO is not fast enough, couple that with mediocre Lovejoy. I'm gonna hope I'm wrong.
- nelson911

Ehrhoff has got to be one of the fastest dmen in the league. Maybe not laterally but his top speed is fast. I dont know enough about Lovejoy anymore to comment on his foot speed.

Lovejoy is a good skater.
- hardnosed

Yep... I'm looking forward to seeing that pair against the isles/rags/caps

Not popular, but I sit Scuds for a few games and see what Pouliot has with one of the new guys. DP has played really well and it would be nice to see him rewarded for it.
- usethe1-2-2

We should all just get that notion out of our heads, Scuds in not going to be sitting.

JR has a plan you can see it developing with every player,
- stackthepads

And the new thing about it is that GMJR is feeding Johnston the kinds of players Johnston wants. I felt like Shero tried to shove some players down Bylsma's throat (I still believe that Dan wasn't as hot for Iggy/Morrow/Murray as Shero was).

You're right that there seems to be a plan right now in the organization that they've bought into and are sticking to.

1. Solve the top six winger issue. Done.
2. Resolve the D issues short term/long term. Done.
3. Get MAF signed so you know you got a goalie. Done.
4. Reshape the bottom six. Done.
5. Restock the farm system. Nowhere near done but it's year one and getting Kapanen was hopefully a big first step.

That's my hope:

Lovejoy: " I feel like during my time in Anaheim, I was given a ton more responsibility. I feel like my game has grown by leaps and bounds and I look forward to coming back and being a part of such a great team once again.”

He must be a lot better than when he left the team. The Reverend should help us. Hope he brings a physical element too.

Ehrhoff has got to be one of the fastest dmen in the league. Maybe not laterally but his top speed is fast. I dont know enough about Lovejoy anymore to comment on his foot speed.
- stackthepads

He's never been slow. Has a quick jump to the puck. Has always been an AHL allstar while in WBS.

And the new thing about it is that GMJR is feeding Johnston the kinds of players Johnston wants. I felt like Shero tried to shove some players down Bylsma's throat (I still believe that Dan wasn't as hot for Iggy/Morrow/Murray as Shero was).
- hardnosed

I don't know if you are aware of just how right you are with this statement.

He must be a lot better than when he left the team. The Reverend should help us. Hope he brings a physical element too.
- Barnaby36

He's not overly physical. Cole uses his size better. But he's not soft, either.

Lovejoy is a B+ across the board kind of defenseman. No one mega-trait to speak of, but above average in multiple categories.

And the new thing about it is that GMJR is feeding Johnston the kinds of players Johnston wants. I felt like Shero tried to shove some players down Bylsma's throat (I still believe that Dan wasn't as hot for Iggy/Morrow/Murray as Shero was).

You're right that there seems to be a plan right now in the organization that they've bought into and are sticking to.

1. Solve the top six winger issue. Done.
2. Resolve the D issues short term/long term. Done.
3. Get MAF signed so you know you got a goalie. Done.
4. Reshape the bottom six. Done.
5. Restock the farm system. Nowhere near done but it's year one and getting Kapanen was hopefully a big first step.
- hardnosed

The farm can wait for a bit. We are going to be a cup contented for probably the next 5-7 years, after that we can look at trading Malkin/Letang for a haul of picks at a deadline if we want to rebuild.

? that's almost a month ago
- Isles_since_6

My bad, just saw thursday the first time

We should all just get that notion out of our heads, Scuds in not going to be sitting.
- stackthepads

The same statement regarding Adams was made just a few weeks back so who knows. Johnston seems to do what he wants, takes control, let's see how things shake out

The same statement regarding Adams was made just a few weeks back so who knows. Johnston seems to do what he wants, takes control, let's see how things shake out
- usethe1-2-2

What Adams brought to the table has been replaced by Winnik. Neither Lovejoy or Cole are as good on the PK as Scuderi. Scuds and Martin are the bee's knees on the PK.

definitely a good bit to digest with these moves.

Might not be either/or with Scuds and DP, depending on Ehrhoff's status.

What Adams brought to the table has been replaced by Winnik. Neither Lovejoy or Cole are as good on the PK as Scuderi. Scuds and Martin are the bee's knees on the PK.
- stackthepads

Scuderi id good on the PK where he is more stationary and he reads the play well. It's his 5 on 5 that concerns me. To many plays die on his stick. But I think with the new additions there will be more competition for the starting 6

What Adams brought to the table has been replaced by Winnik. Neither Lovejoy or Cole are as good on the PK as Scuderi. Scuds and Martin are the bee's knees on the PK.
- stackthepads

Lovejoy isn't bad and we will see what Cole has to offer here, but I'm thinking more 5 on 5 right now and a dcore with Tanger-Martin Erhoff Lovejoy Cole Pouliot makes me want to cry. To think this d once had Eaton, Murray, Orpik, and Engelland

What a crappy trade.

I will say this though, Scuds has been playing better, but that doesn't mean he is one of the best top six. If Hoff is out a bit longer, I expect the staff to get a good look at who they will play come April.

The same statement regarding Adams was made just a few weeks back so who knows. Johnston seems to do what he wants, takes control, let's see how things shake out
- usethe1-2-2

Also I dont think they expected Bennett to make much of an impact on the 4th line, but he Lapierre and Spaling have looked great!

Also I dont think they expected Bennett to make much of an impact on the 4th line, but he Lapierre and Spaling have looked great!
- stackthepads

That's true, Bennett has a way if elevating the play of his linemates. He is going to look real strong in top six in the future

I will say this though, Scuds has been playing better, but that doesn't mean he is one of the best top six. If Hoff is out a bit longer, I expect the staff to get a good look at who they will play come April.
- usethe1-2-2

i wonder if/when dumolin can really take that next step.

would really help next year.