With the (when everyone is healthy) top 9 being relatively even with potential talent, I see people moving up and down the lines all year. But I also see DD trying to set up chemistry amongst his players... If not all 3, then 2, like Caufield-Suzuki and Drouin-Anderson.

1st, flagged your post by mistake
2nd, I like Caufield, he could very well score 40 one day. but for now Gally scored 30+ the past 4 years. respect.

- fidopro

I guess the point is DD knows that if he wants the kid to produce, he needs to give him the best opportunity. we'll see how it goes, but I agree Gally will be called upon to play on the 1st, unless as I was saying Caufield has an out-of-this-world first season in the NHL...

With the (when everyone is healthy) top 9 being relatively even with potential talent, I see people moving up and down the lines all year. But I also see DD trying to set up chemistry amongst his players... If not all 3, then 2, like Caufield-Suzuki and Drouin-Anderson.
- Darksyde

I agree aiming for chemistry within duos like these makes a lot of sense.

With the (when everyone is healthy) top 9 being relatively even with potential talent, I see people moving up and down the lines all year. But I also see DD trying to set up chemistry amongst his players... If not all 3, then 2, like Caufield-Suzuki and Drouin-Anderson.
- Darksyde

yep. Drouin-Anderson seems like a given. didn't know Anderson stayed at Drouin' house while his house was ready.

I guess the point is DD knows that if he wants the kid to produce, he needs to give him the best opportunity. we'll see how it goes, but I agree Gally will be called upon to play on the 1st, unless as I was saying Caufield has an out-of-this-world first season in the NHL...
- Pat1993

don't get me wrong, Caufield with Suzuki makes perfect sense. I'm just saying Gally deserves some respect. if they can manage to get 3 good lines, they'll be tough to beat,

- Darksyde

don't get me wrong, Caufield with Suzuki makes perfect sense. I'm just saying Gally deserves some respect. if they can manage to get 3 good lines, they'll be tough to beat,
- fidopro

I get what you're saying, but I don't think it's a matter of respect, but of results. I doubt Gallagher is saying he doesn't mind being on a 3rd line if they're winning games just to look like a nice guy, he seems to truly mean it. but of course as a coach DD will look at the stats sheet and experience and think "hey, the 1st line isn't clicking right now, so Gally, you're up".

I get what you're saying, but I don't think it's a matter of respect, but of results. I doubt Gallagher is saying he doesn't mind being on a 3rd line if they're winning games just to look like a nice guy, he seems to truly mean it. but of course as a coach DD will look at the stats sheet and experience and think "hey, the 1st line isn't clicking right now, so Gally, you're up".
- Pat1993

we can flip it any way we want, if you're the opponent, facing Anderson-Caufield-Gallagher one after the other... won't be easy. one of these 3 is bound to face the 3rd pairing Ds.
same thing for Drouin-Hoffman-Toffoli on the other wing.
and then you have Lekhonen-Poehling-Armia? who are not easy to play againts. tough night.

we can flip it any way we want, if you're the opponent, facing Anderson-Caufield-Gallagher one after the other... won't be easy. one of these 3 is bound to face the 3rd pairing Ds.
same thing for Drouin-Hoffman-Toffoli on the other wing.
- fidopro

yup, like the playoffs last year, their depth will be their strongest asset, if healthy (*touche du bois*). still kinda pissed Perry decided to go to TB, silly mofo.

yup, like the playoffs last year, their depth will be their strongest asset, if healthy (*touche du bois*). still kinda pissed Perry decided to go to TB, silly mofo.
- Pat1993

tbh, where would you slot him? we already have Armia on the 4th! and Byron is injured.

tbh, where would you slot him? we already have Armia on the 4th! and Byron is injured.
- fidopro

I dunno, I just appreciated his game a lot. but he ain't getting younger, and I guess TB still has higher chances of winning the cup again than MTL... god I hate them lol.

I dunno, I just appreciated his game a lot. but he ain't getting younger, and I guess TB still has higher chances of winning the cup again than MTL... god I hate them lol.
- Pat1993

having a 10% discount on the cap sure helps.
they're also very well managed.
and guess what? by un ti-gars de chez nous! I'll be damned. they should have gone with the best available gm. pff

having a 10% discount on the cap sure helps.
they're also very well managed.
and guess what? by un ti-gars de chez nous! I'll be damned.
- fidopro

Brisebois signed an extension in TB, not sure of the details, but so much for those that were hoping Bergevin would be leaving and that Brisebois would be up for a nice "challenge" in MTL.

I get what you're saying, but I don't think it's a matter of respect, but of results. I doubt Gallagher is saying he doesn't mind being on a 3rd line if they're winning games just to look like a nice guy, he seems to truly mean it. but of course as a coach DD will look at the stats sheet and experience and think "hey, the 1st line isn't clicking right now, so Gally, you're up".
- Pat1993

I think it's more that he knows DD will shuffle the lines, injuries will happen, and on the team, nobody has sure minutes. DD proved that in the playoffs last year by sitting KK and Caufield. With wingers like Hoffman, Drouin, Anderson, Gallagher, Caufield, Armia, Lehkonen... Especially with the first 5, you're looking at 20 potential goals per, if not more, if they gel. I'm less worried about the forwards, and more worried about the defense. I know it's early, but the D has looked unorganized and hesitant. If they can't break out, then the forwards can't do their jobs.

Brisebois signed an extension in TB, not sure of the details, but so much for those that were hoping Bergevin would be leaving and that Brisebois would be up for a nice "challenge" in MTL.
- Pat1993

that's a good question. I wonder why MB hasn't signed yet. maybe he wants out after 10 years.

I think it's more that he knows DD will shuffle the lines, injuries will happen, and on the team, nobody has sure minutes. DD proved that in the playoffs last year by sitting KK and Caufield. With wingers like Hoffman, Drouin, Anderson, Gallagher, Caufield, Armia, Lehkonen... Especially with the first 5, you're looking at 20 potential goals per, if not more, if they gel. I'm less worried about the forwards, and more worried about the defense. I know it's early, but the D has looked unorganized and hesitant. If they can't break out, then the forwards can't do their jobs.
- Darksyde

I agree the situation on D might have its own question marks, but I think the biggest issue will be the offensive output, their top 4 will most likely be solid defensively, so my priority would be to grab a 2nd or 3rd C, especially if Poehling or Evans aren't doing the job.

that's a good question. I wonder why MB hasn't signed yet. maybe he wants out after 10 years.
- fidopro

the only way Molson would be playing hardball is if he has a few interesting candidates, which I doubt. but I have the feeling it's only a matter of time before they come to terms for an extension, I think Bergevin really wants to bring a cup to MTL before leaving.

I agree the situation on D might have its own question marks, but I think the biggest issue will be the offensive output, their top 4 will most likely be solid defensively, so my priority would be to grab a 2nd or 3rd C, especially if Poehling or Evans aren't doing the job.
- Pat1993

that pretzel kid in OTT will be good

that pretzel kid in OTT will be good
- fidopro

his father was a goalie in the 70s

that pretzel kid in OTT will be good
- fidopro

1st, flagged your post by mistake
2nd, I like Caufield, he could very well score 40 one day. but for now Gally scored 30+ the past 4 years. respect.

- fidopro

Gally is pretty impressive for scoring 30 goals, he's not big, fast or has a wicked shot, but he refuses to be pushed out from in front of the opponents net.

I agree the situation on D might have its own question marks, but I think the biggest issue will be the offensive output, their top 4 will most likely be solid defensively, so my priority would be to grab a 2nd or 3rd C, especially if Poehling or Evans aren't doing the job.
- Pat1993

Truthfully I think it's the other way around, we have alot of good snipers. As a team defensively compared to last year though, it's a big downgrade.

hihihi

I get what you're saying, but I don't think it's a matter of respect, but of results. I doubt Gallagher is saying he doesn't mind being on a 3rd line if they're winning games just to look like a nice guy, he seems to truly mean it. but of course as a coach DD will look at the stats sheet and experience and think "hey, the 1st line isn't clicking right now, so Gally, you're up".
- Pat1993

Don’t think that will feel right for Gally, and he doesn’t deserve it. Since Hoffman is hurt, start Tof, Suz,Gally 2nd line D, D, A. 3RD Armia, Ev, Caul. I want to see Caufield play with others, true talent make others better. Might surprise us…