I think that was just his point. My post above shows that I think Moulson should play with Eichel and Girgensons.
- thatsapickle

Agreed

Moreover, from the blog itself:

Back in the day NHL lines featured three players all with the same skill-level who found chemistry and just tortured the opposition--"The French Connection" in Buffalo, "Legion of Doom" in Philly and "West Coast Express" out in Vancouver are a few examples. But times have changed.

Generally Pachla's stuff is really good, but I feel like he decided he wanted to make a stretch on this one, and find a way to justify it, and it just came out all wrong.
- Der Kaiser

if we agreed all the time, it would be one, big vanilla pudding party...that said and to clarify; the point was that the "third wheel" so to speak is a complimentary player, kinda something like what kassian (and many others) did on the top line in Vancouver with the sedins

Not sure what you mean by that?
- MCGUIZZY

exactly what I said...moulson's slower than baptiste...did you see how difficult it was for baptiste to get in on that rush last Saturday?

Yea I hear ya but I dont think that you need a burner on either side of Eichel. I think just having a guy playing with him with goal scoring experience is most important right now. IMO Moulson is just not an ideal fit for this team. Hes one dimensional and not very versatile. But he is a proven scorer in the league which is desirable. Either way he needs to be in the top 6
- MCGUIZZY

I agree that Moulson should be in the top 6. His experience alone is helpful there. And I think there's a way to make it work either way. But Eichel definitely needs someone who can keep up with him on one side, evidenced by the first goal that was scored in the prospect tournament. Baptiste had to haul ass to get into that play, and he's not a slow player, so the fact that he had a hard time even getting in there in time tells you how quick Eichel is.

I don't know why people are getting so hung up on who's where to start the season to be quite honest. The lines are going to shuffle around a lot until they find that right chemistry, unless somehow Bylsma catches lightning in a bottle right out of the gate, but I doubt that.

With so many new faces, schemes, etc there's going to be some growing pains this year. But I think we all expect it for the most part. This team is either going to finish in the bottom 5-8 of the league or it's going to be contending for a low playoff position. It's hard to tell for sure either way.

A big part of what makes Eichel so special is his skating ability. He's a powerful, fast skater. He needs to have guys on either side that can keep up with him. Girgs is a good fit. Kane has the speed, but likes to carry the puck like Eichel does.

Moulson isn't the best skater. He worked well with Tavares because while Tavares is a great talent, his skating is his "Achilles heel" if you will. On a PP unit, it would probably work fine, but for regular shifts, not sure it's the best option.
- HonkFortheGoose

thank you, goosie

Kane will be speaking and (surprisingly) taking questions

http://www.csnchicago.com/page/liveblackhawks

if we agreed all the time, it would be one, big vanilla pudding party...that said and to clarify; the point was that the "third wheel" so to speak is a complimentary player, kinda something like what kassian (and many others) did on the top line in Vancouver with the sedins
- Michael Pachla

agreeing to disagree makes for a great premise to a conversation. As long as it's approached respectfully.

agreeing to disagree makes for a great premise to a conversation. As long as it's approached respectfully.
- thatsapickle

we cool, picks

I agree that Moulson should be in the top 6. His experience alone is helpful there. And I think there's a way to make it work either way. But Eichel definitely needs someone who can keep up with him on one side, evidenced by the first goal that was scored in the prospect tournament. Baptiste had to haul ass to get into that play, and he's not a slow player, so the fact that he had a hard time even getting in there in time tells you how quick Eichel is.

I don't know why people are getting so hung up on who's where to start the season to be quite honest. The lines are going to shuffle around a lot until they find that right chemistry, unless somehow Bylsma catches lightning in a bottle right out of the gate, but I doubt that.

With so many new faces, schemes, etc there's going to be some growing pains this year. But I think we all expect it for the most part. This team is either going to finish in the bottom 5-8 of the league or it's going to be contending for a low playoff position. It's hard to tell for sure either way.
- HonkFortheGoose

we cool, picks
- Michael Pachla

Much appreciated.

Kane will be speaking and (surprisingly) taking questions

http://www.csnchicago.com/page/liveblackhawks
- stashu

Seems he's maintaining that he didn't do anything wrong. I suspect this should all be wrapped up pretty soon.

Seems he's maintaining that he didn't do anything wrong. I suspect this should all be wrapped up pretty soon.
- HonkFortheGoose

But he's confident he'll be "absolved of not doing anything wrong".

So if eichel needs someone fast on his line put him on a line with ennis and be done with it

But he's confident he'll be "absolved of not doing anything wrong".
- stashu

He's pretty much keeping his mouth shut.

Also, Mike Harrington is a douche.

exactly what I said...moulson's slower than baptiste...did you see how difficult it was for baptiste to get in on that rush last Saturday?
- Michael Pachla

This.
Moulson has the veteran experience to know how to get open.
Eichel is a playmaker.
If they end up on the same line, i don't think it's going to hurt either player.

This.
Moulson has the veteran experience to know how to get open.
Eichel is a playmaker.
If they end up on the same line, i don't think it's going to hurt either player.
- seedy

agreed...as mentioned in the blogs, projecting where everyone falls into place outside of kane, oreilly, Eichel and ennis being in the top six, isn't easy...and like goosie said, flux will be theme for at least the first part of the season

This.
Moulson has the veteran experience to know how to get open.
Eichel is a playmaker.
If they end up on the same line, i don't think it's going to hurt either player.
- seedy

Like Goose has said... It's too early to tell, so let's wait and see what works before we nitpick. Not saying you are, but I don't think we really need to be adamant about lines until the season starts.

EDIT: Late

agreed...as mentioned in the blogs, projecting where everyone falls into place outside of kane, oreilly, Eichel and ennis being in the top six, isn't easy...and like goosie said, flux will be theme for at least the first part of the season
- Michael Pachla

Projecting Moulson into the top 6 seems like a no brainer to me. If hes not there, your not really getting the most out of a complimentary player like him.

agreed...as mentioned in the blogs, projecting where everyone falls into place outside of kane, oreilly, Eichel and ennis being in the top six, isn't easy...and like goosie said, flux will be theme for at least the first part of the season
- Michael Pachla

yeah. We're so close, but we really don't have much to talk about beside line combo speculation.
You just keep being you, Pach.

exactly what I said...moulson's slower than baptiste...did you see how difficult it was for baptiste to get in on that rush last Saturday?
- Michael Pachla

Wasnt sure if you meant "keeping up" in a more general term. But if that is your theory then why put o'reilly with the fastest skater on our team (kane)? idk I think Eichel will still need time to adjust so im not really worried so much that Moulson will be able to keep up with him. There are alot of excellent skaters in the NHL. Playing with an experienced player is most important

But if that is your theory then why put o'reilly with the fastest skater on our team (kane)?
- MCGUIZZY

Lets not worry about (aboot) it.
Everybody, have a beer!

Projecting Moulson into the top 6 seems like a no brainer to me. If hes not there, your not really getting the most out of a complimentary player like him.
- MCGUIZZY

who would you consider the best set-up player in camp right now?

Wasnt sure if you meant "keeping up" in a more general term. But if that is your theory then why put o'reilly with the fastest skater on our team (kane)? idk I think Eichel will still need time to adjust so im not really worried so much that Moulson will be able to keep up with him.
- MCGUIZZY

eventually (and it might be a lot sooner than later) I can see kane and Eichel tearing up and down the ice on the top line...all the lines will be affected by that

who would you consider the best set-up player in camp right now?
- Michael Pachla

Ennis probably at the moment

Ennis probably at the moment
- MCGUIZZY

whoa...didn't think of him, but he's pretty damn good