I cannot knock either goalie. Howard had a tough ending to last year, but was unreal through 3/4 of it.
The reality, is we are lacking offense from the back end -- although Green is a slight improvement, more is needed. We have a ton of youth in the lineup and they are growing, but Smith/Kindl/Ericsson just dont cut it. Too many turnovers, too many giveaways.
Ericsson has the size that opposition should be scared to even go into his corner, but he is soooooo soft for a player his size.
- BooBoo997
I agree about the defense. I think Quellet and Sproul are options for next year. I just wish they got the chance now. I've always loved both of those players, and they are paired together quite often, so they could come in and replace Quincey and Either Smith or Kindl. But Ericsson needs to go, period. We cannot have him on our roster for 4 more years after this one. Even as a 5 or 6 Dman, which is where he belongs, he is too expensive, they need to ship him to Boston or Pitt or someone for a couple of picks and be done with him. I like making projected lineups and next years could provide some offense from the back end if given the option...
Kronwall - Green ( 2 way ability, definite offensive potential )
DD - Marchenko ( Limited offensive potential, but should be a go-to shutdown line )
Quellet - Sproul ( Inexperienced but good two way ability and youth the team needs)
Probably won't happen, they never do, but moving Ericsson would be my number 1 priority as a GM, that contract would be hard to move. But i'd be willing to retain $750k or $1Mil just to see him go, the team is not in cap crisis yet and could afford to eat that little bit, I think.