Michael Stuart: Game 6 Preview: Senators vs. Canucks

Agreed on letting the leash on the youth loose - wish they would give Logan Brown a shot as well. I think PD is trying to build value for players on expiring contracts so he can flip them, but it's at the expense of ice time for the young guys. Goaltending, however, has been substandard. I hope Joey OK gets a shot soon.

^and will be difficult to flip outside the division anyways

Let’s just beat the Canucks so that they can feel some pressure too

What’s up with Brannstrom? Any reason he isn’t playing?

The “get the young players in” parade is fine. However, people need to be a little patient. I want to see how all of the teams prospects look as much as the next guy but sticking them in the lineup purely for sticking them in the lineup doesn’t do a lot of favours.

Just looking at White and Wolonin plug in and plug out experiment so far, it’s troubling to see those two players make simple mistakes and not show a lot of urgency to prove to the coach they belong in the lineup. After Murray’s first 3 average games, everyone wanted to see Hogberg strut his stuff and he looked just as average in his start.

This roster should look different at game 30. When you can still easily count the games already played this season on one hand, it’s a little early to jumping on necks. It’s not like the team is scratching the next McDavid or Carlsson. They are scratching guys that are potentially good depth players. Although, while I am lenient with Pacquette getting a roster spot right now, having Haley in the lineup for “toughness” is frustrating.

Nevertheless, people will complain of the deployment of the veterans, but if the results continue to fall on the losing end, there won’t be much choice but to scratch a few of them in favour of younger players.

The “get the young players in” parade is fine. However, people need to be a little patient. I want to see how all of the teams prospects look as much as the next guy but sticking them in the lineup purely for sticking them in the lineup doesn’t do a lot of favours.

Just looking at White and Wolonin plug in and plug out experiment so far, it’s troubling to see those two players make simple mistakes and not show a lot of urgency to prove to the coach they belong in the lineup. After Murray’s first 3 average games, everyone wanted to see Hogberg strut his stuff and he looked just as average in his start.

This roster should look different at game 30. When you can still easily count the games already played this season on one hand, it’s a little early to jumping on necks. It’s not like the team is scratching the next McDavid or Carlsson. They are scratching guys that are potentially good depth players. Although, while I am lenient with Pacquette getting a roster spot right now, having Haley in the lineup for “toughness” is frustrating.

Nevertheless, people will complain of the deployment of the veterans, but if the results continue to fall on the losing end, there won’t be much choice but to scratch a few of them in favour of younger players.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

how much more patience do we need to have with guys like Brown, Chlapik, Brannstrom, etc. these guys were all drafted 3-4 years ago, all have at least 2 full years of pro hockey in the AHL, all have proven incredibly effective in the AHL and have nothing left to prove in that league, and yet all 3 of them aren't given a real opportunity at the NHL level in favour of plug vets.

the message from the team is:

"we're going to have a young exciting team", "most rookies in the league", "players need to earn their spot"........that's how they're getting fans to buy into the season and the rebuild, and yet they aren't following through on any of it.

how much more patience do we need to have with guys like Brown, Chlapik, Brannstrom, etc. these guys were all drafted 3-4 years ago, all have at least 2 full years of pro hockey in the AHL, all have proven incredibly effective in the AHL and have nothing left to prove in that league, and yet all 3 of them aren't given a real opportunity at the NHL level in favour of plug vets.

the message from the team is:

"we're going to have a young exciting team", "most rookies in the league", "players need to earn their spot"........that's how they're getting fans to buy into the season and the rebuild, and yet they aren't following through on any of it.
- sensarmy_11

I get this point of view, I really do. However, I think we need to take some stock in decisions being made rather than fans assuming a player gets in the lineup because we need a youth movement.

If these guys were good enough, they would be in the lineup. Plain and simple. Did the team bring in too many veterans? Probably. But even at that, young players need to prove they are worthy of a roster spot. Which is exactly one of your quotes above. Each young player’s situation is slightly different. Like I said, you’ll likely see some roster shuffles later in the year due to injuries and player performance. It will come. Then fans will be ultra-rosy with the young players performance when they are in the lineup despite most likely mediocre results. Just like Marcus Hogberg, who despite average results in the NHL, you'd be hard-pressed to find a Sens fans say anything negative about him.

I’m not saying I agree with every player that has been dressed this year. However, I do appreciate not just handing over roster spots to players because it is their perceived “time”. Not every young player in this organization will pan out.

I get this point of view, I really do. However, I think we need to take some stock in decisions being made rather than fans assuming a player gets in the lineup because we need a youth movement.

If these guys were good enough, they would be in the lineup. Plain and simple. Did the team bring in too many veterans? Probably. But even at that, young players need to prove they are worthy of a roster spot. Which is exactly one of your quotes above. Each young player’s situation is slightly different. Like I said, you’ll likely see some roster shuffles later in the year due to injuries and player performance. It will come. Then fans will be ultra-rosy with the young players performance when they are in the lineup despite most likely mediocre results. Just like Marcus Hogberg, who despite average results in the NHL, you'd be hard-pressed to find a Sens fans say anything negative about him.

I’m not saying I agree with every player that has been dressed this year. However, I do appreciate not just handing over roster spots to players because it is their perceived “time”. Not every young player in this organization will pan out.

It bears mentioning that there's a decent chance some of these players may not play at all this year, so you need to balance burning a year on the ELC, and the effect of that on their development.

I get this point of view, I really do. However, I think we need to take some stock in decisions being made rather than fans assuming a player gets in the lineup because we need a youth movement.

If these guys were good enough, they would be in the lineup. Plain and simple. Did the team bring in too many veterans? Probably. But even at that, young players need to prove they are worthy of a roster spot. Which is exactly one of your quotes above. Each young player’s situation is slightly different. Like I said, you’ll likely see some roster shuffles later in the year due to injuries and player performance. It will come. Then fans will be ultra-rosy with the young players performance when they are in the lineup despite most likely mediocre results. Just like Marcus Hogberg, who despite average results in the NHL, you'd be hard-pressed to find a Sens fans say anything negative about him.

I’m not saying I agree with every player that has been dressed this year. However, I do appreciate not just handing over roster spots to players because it is their perceived “time”. Not every young player in this organization will pan out.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

there is literally nothing that would make me believe that players like paquette, watson, haley, etc, outperformed players like chlapik and brown in camp.

literally NOTHING would make me believe that. it's just an idiotic philosphy by coach/gm that for some reason the 4th line needs to be made up of plugs who hit a lot and play 5 minutes a night......instead of 3 players who might actually be able to play an effective 10 mins a night ( galchenyuk - brown - chlapik )

there is literally nothing that would make me believe that players like paquette, watson, haley, etc, outperformed players like chlapik and brown in camp.

literally NOTHING would make me believe that. it's just an idiotic philosphy by coach/gm that for some reason the 4th line needs to be made up of plugs who hit a lot and play 5 minutes a night......instead of 3 players who might actually be able to play an effective 10 mins a night ( galchenyuk - brown - chlapik )
- sensarmy_11

You nailed it!...So far, DJ Smith is not playing his best players! he relies far too much on his vets, instead of building confidence with the youngsters (White- L. Brown- Formenton, Brannstrom)...They need to use this season to play methodically all the youngters in the NHL, in order to evaluate them properly.

Has ZUB played yet?

there is literally nothing that would make me believe that players like paquette, watson, haley, etc, outperformed players like chlapik and brown in camp.

literally NOTHING would make me believe that. it's just an idiotic philosphy by coach/gm that for some reason the 4th line needs to be made up of plugs who hit a lot and play 5 minutes a night......instead of 3 players who might actually be able to play an effective 10 mins a night ( galchenyuk - brown - chlapik )
- sensarmy_11

I mean, I don’t really disagree. From a coach’s perspective, I understand Pacquette and Watson. I don’t understand Haley, like at all.

I do think it is naïve to assume putting in guys like Brown and Chalpik in the lineup over plugs will magically do anything. These guys were in the lineup last year and helped the team solidify a lower place in the standings. They will get their opportunity though. It’s only 5 games into the year, during a pandemic.

This conversation happens every year. Literally, every year. Roster spots initially get handed to guys that fans would rather see be given to a younger player. We moan and groan and finally get to see the young player in the lineup due to injury, trade, or player performing like crap over a period of time.

I am not totally sure what people expected though when Dorion went our and got Stephan, Coburn, Pacquette, Gudbransson, Watson, J. Brown, etc. These guys were going to see time on the ice early on and young players would get the short end of the stick. Before you blame the deployment of players, maybe question Dorion’s mindset this off season. Unless a guy like Logan Brown overwhelmingly proved he is worthy of NHL time, he is an easy player to demote due to contact.

I think I’m basically on your side of this conversation but have a little more patients to get the young players in there. That day will come. Nick Paul is a nice example of the waiting a little longer than (most) fans wanted to get a regular spot. Now he seems like a legitimate top 9 player without much growing pains in the NHL. Not sure that will happen for guy like L. Brown, but something to consider.

there is literally nothing that would make me believe that players like paquette, watson, haley, etc, outperformed players like chlapik and brown in camp.
literally NOTHING would make me believe that. it's just an idiotic philosphy by coach/gm that for some reason the 4th line needs to be made up of plugs who hit a lot and play 5 minutes a night......instead of 3 players who might actually be able to play an effective 10 mins a night ( galchenyuk - brown - chlapik )
- sensarmy_11

Right, but at the same time this isn't a video game. The 4th line of an NHL hockey team is typically about providing high energy/physical shifts, and taking on some of the PK burden. Case in point, Watson/Paquette may not play as much 5-on-5, but are legitimately among the team leaders in PK time, and have an even higher rate of hits/60min than Tkachuk. Now I can't begin to justify the Haley thing, but I do agree that while the likes of Batherson, Norris, and Stutzle are playing in their first year of full-time NHL duty, it may be a bit much to expect them to take on significant PK duties as well.

So I don't really expect Paquette/Watson to outscore Brown/Chlapik, as opposed to playing that 4th line role more effectively. That said, I think they're being trusted with far too much responsibility, especially late in games. Smith can't just treat the 3rd period of games where they have the lead like a giant PK situation, he has to start trusting the young kids to keep the pressure on the other team. Being "tough to play against" is a mental thing he should be working on with the team's best players, as opposed to just making them watch from the bench as the team's blue collar veterans blow 3rd period leads and OT opportunities.

I mean, I don’t really disagree. From a coach’s perspective, I understand Pacquette and Watson. I don’t understand Haley, like at all.

I do think it is naïve to assume putting in guys like Brown and Chalpik in the lineup over plugs will magically do anything. These guys were in the lineup last year and helped the team solidify a lower place in the standings. They will get their opportunity though. It’s only 5 games into the year, during a pandemic.

This conversation happens every year. Literally, every year. Roster spots initially get handed to guys that fans would rather see be given to a younger player. We moan and groan and finally get to see the young player in the lineup due to injury, trade, or player performing like crap over a period of time.

I am not totally sure what people expected though when Dorion went our and got Stephan, Coburn, Pacquette, Gudbransson, Watson, J. Brown, etc. These guys were going to see time on the ice early on and young players would get the short end of the stick. Before you blame the deployment of players, maybe question Dorion’s mindset this off season. Unless a guy like Logan Brown overwhelmingly proved he is worthy of NHL time, he is an easy player to demote due to contact.

I think I’m basically on your side of this conversation but have a little more patients to get the young players in there. That day will come. Nick Paul is a nice example of the waiting a little longer than (most) fans wanted to get a regular spot. Now he seems like a legitimate top 9 player without much growing pains in the NHL. Not sure that will happen for guy like L. Brown, but something to consider.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

putting those guys in won't magically make them a better team, but AT THE VERY LEAST, they won't be worse, and at least they get to develop.

i agree that we do have this convo every year, but the message from the owner, GM, and coach was that this was the year that the team was supposed to take a step forward, this was the year that we would start to see a massive injection of youth......instead, they sign a bunch of useless vets and plug them, undeservedly, into the lineup, and the team is still dead last in the league.

there is literally no better time than now to inject guys like Brown, Brannstrom, etc into the lineup and see what you have. zero pressure to win, zero fans in teh stand, and a fan base that is okay with losing ONLY AS LONG as the young players are given a chance.

they literally have almost complete carte blanche with the fan base, and still manage to do the one thing that would piss a majority of the fan base off.

Right, but at the same time this isn't a video game. The 4th line of an NHL hockey team is typically about providing high energy/physical shifts, and taking on some of the PK burden. Case in point, Watson/Paquette may not play as much 5-on-5, but are legitimately among the team leaders in PK time, and have an even higher rate of hits/60min than Tkachuk. Now I can't begin to justify the Haley thing, but I do agree that while the likes of Batherson, Norris, and Stutzle are playing in their first year of full-time NHL duty, it may be a bit much to expect them to take on significant PK duties as well.

So I don't really expect Paquette/Watson to outscore Brown/Chlapik, as opposed to playing that 4th line role more effectively. That said, I think they're being trusted with far too much responsibility, especially late in games. Smith can't just treat the 3rd period of games where they have the lead like a giant PK situation, he has to start trusting the young kids to keep the pressure on the other team. Being "tough to play against" is a mental thing he should be working on with the team's best players, as opposed to just making them watch from the bench as the team's blue collar veterans blow 3rd period leads and OT opportunities.
- khawk

a 4th line of White/Chlapik/Paul could provide the exact same thing.....and play 5v5 without getting caved in on every shift

Tkachuk - Norris - Bath
Stutzle - Stepan - Daddy
Galchenyuk - Tierney - Brown
Paul - White - Chlapik

that's a solid group, including a 4th line that can play a high energy defensive game, kill penalties, and not get caved in every shift

paquette/haley/anisimov/watson should NEVER see ice over that group of 12


edit - if you want that 3rd line to be the one you want out agaisnt the other teams top line, switch paul and gally, with paul on the PK......still a much better 4th line than the steaming pile of garbage they've been rolling out lately

a 4th line of White/Chlapik/Paul could provide the exact same thing.....and play 5v5 without getting caved in on every shift

Tkachuk - Norris - Bath
Stutzle - Stepan - Daddy
Galchenyuk - Tierney - Brown
Paul - White - Chlapik

that's a solid group, including a 4th line that can play a high energy defensive game, kill penalties, and not get caved in every shift

paquette/haley/anisimov/watson should NEVER see ice over that group of 12


edit - if you want that 3rd line to be the one you want out agaisnt the other teams top line, switch paul and gally, with paul on the PK......still a much better 4th line than the steaming pile of garbage they've been rolling out lately
- sensarmy_11

Where is L. Brown in this lineup? I thought we had to get him in there too? Need more youth movement. Get Stepan out of there.

But seriously, unfortunately, for fans like yourself, Anisimov and Watson have some value when they play so far. I’m not the biggest fan of either but both haven’t done anything to cause me to say “he needs to sit”. Paquette and Haley have done that, on the other hand. I think it is important for you to realize how these players have played and why the players are in the lineup before claiming it’s some conspiracy to piss off hardcore fans. Paquette is hurt and Haley doesn’t seem to be in the lineup tonight so your wishes are already starting to come true.

We are talking about swapping out 11th and 12th forwards here on a last place hockey team.

Where is L. Brown in this lineup? I thought we had to get him in there too? Need more youth movement. Get Stepan out of there.

But seriously, unfortunately, for fans like yourself, Anisimov and Watson have some value when they play so far. I’m not the biggest fan of either but both haven’t done anything to cause me to say “he needs to sit”. Paquette and Haley have done that, on the other hand. I think it is important for you to realize how these players have played and why the players are in the lineup before claiming it’s some conspiracy to piss off hardcore fans. Paquette is hurt and Haley doesn’t seem to be in the lineup tonight so your wishes are already starting to come true.

We are talking about swapping out 11th and 12th forwards here on a last place hockey team.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

i was just putting what i think is the optimal lineup based only on what we have on the roster right now......i would absolutely have Brown in there also. personally i'd have him in the top six in place of Stepan......and then go back in time and not sign Stepan.

but since we're stuck with him......i would either try to move him, or move tierney. neither one is a part of the plan moving forward

that's a solid group, including a 4th line that can play a high energy defensive game, kill penalties, and not get caved in every shift
- sensarmy_11

No, that's you making a baseless assumption that White/Chlapik would be better than Paquette/Watson on the PK or in a high-energy role, and also suggesting that Paul should be on the 4th line despite being one of the best players on the team so far this season. The reality is that White/Chlapik aren't particularly physical, and have never played the PK in the NHL... while Watson/Paquette have the 2nd and 4th most SH ice time among forwards, and lead the team's forwards in hits/60min and blocked shots/60min. Now maybe it's time for White/Chlapik to start to learn from those guys, and I'd have no problem with them being rotated onto the 4th line more frequently, and partnered up with a veteran to get some PK exposure. But just throwing an all-kids line on the ice to see if they can handle the PK doesn't strike me as a very realistic approach.

Now, if you're advocating for a more equitable lineup distribution, (i.e. like a 1/3a/3b/3c line-up structure), then I could see something like this working for the bottom-9 (with Paquette and Chlapik rotating in)...

Paul-Stepan-Dadonov
Stutzle-Tierney-Watson
Galchenyuk-White-Brown

In terms of coaching, that forces you to give up the idea of having a go-to 3rd line for key line match-ups, which is why Paul-Tierney-Brown are currently all in the top 4 forwards on the team for ES ice time. But if your primary objective this year is really to get the young kids the experience they need, then maybe the 3a/3b/3c system would be a better way to go. If nothing else, it would allow the Tkachuk-Norris-Batherson line to continue to lead the way offensively, and ensure that all of Stutzle, White, Paul, and Chlapik get exposure to multiple game situations while playing regularly with a pair of more established veterans.

Agreed on letting the leash on the youth loose - wish they would give Logan Brown a shot as well. I think PD is trying to build value for players on expiring contracts so he can flip them, but it's at the expense of ice time for the young guys
- Bartacus

Agree on Logan Brown. Good point on flipping veterans. However winning and producing is a key ingredient

Let’s just beat the Canucks so that they can feel some pressure too
- riceroni

Lol... if they don't start winning soon, I'm hoping for some exciting hockey while loosing.

What’s up with Brannstrom? Any reason he isn’t playing?
- stackthepads

Think he still needs to finish his quarantine but should come in soon. "SHOULD" is the key word

Just looking at White and Wolonin plug in and plug out experiment so far, it’s troubling to see those two players make simple mistakes and not show a lot of urgency to prove to the coach they belong in the lineup. After Murray’s first 3 average games, everyone wanted to see Hogberg strut his stuff and he looked just as average in his start.

This roster should look different at game 30. When you can still easily count the games already played this season on one hand, it’s a little early to jumping on necks. It’s not like the team is scratching the next McDavid or Carlsson. They are scratching guys that are potentially good depth players. Although, while I am lenient with Pacquette getting a roster spot right now, having Haley in the lineup for “toughness” is frustrating.

Nevertheless, people will complain of the deployment of the veterans, but if the results continue to fall on the losing end, there won’t be much choice but to scratch a few of them in favour of younger players.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I see what you're saying. The thing is this team needs to give White, Wolanin, and Brannstrom time to make mistakes. This is stupid - it's like expecting young players to come in and play perfectly, when in the back of their mind, all they are thinking is their coach scratching them anytime. White needs 3-4 consecutive games.

I’m not saying I agree with every player that has been dressed this year. However, I do appreciate not just handing over roster spots to players because it is their perceived “time”. Not every young player in this organization will pan out.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Again you made some good points Gord, but Galchenyuk was WAYYyyy better than Anisimov in the OT loss to Winnipeg and some reason Arty was in OT before he was.

there is literally nothing that would make me believe that players like paquette, watson, haley, etc, outperformed players like chlapik and brown in camp.

literally NOTHING would make me believe that. it's just an idiotic philosphy by coach/gm that for some reason the 4th line needs to be made up of plugs who hit a lot and play 5 minutes a night......instead of 3 players who might actually be able to play an effective 10 mins a night ( galchenyuk - brown - chlapik )
- sensarmy_11

Colin White should be in the line up all day, everyday...instead of Anisimov or Haley

Has ZUB played yet?
- SENS-sational

Surprisingly, no.

I mean, I don’t really disagree. From a coach’s perspective, I understand Pacquette and Watson.

I do think it is naïve to assume putting in guys like Brown and Chalpik in the lineup over plugs will magically do anything. These guys were in the lineup last year and helped the team solidify a lower place in the standings. They will get their opportunity though. It’s only 5 games into the year, during a pandemic.

This conversation happens every year. Literally, every year. Roster spots initially get handed to guys that fans would rather see be given to a younger player. We moan and groan and finally get to see the young player in the lineup due to injury, trade, or player performing like crap over a period of time.

I am not totally sure what people expected though when Dorion went our and got Stephan, Coburn, Pacquette, Gudbransson, Watson, J. Brown, etc. These guys were going to see time on the ice early on and young players would get the short end of the stick. Before you blame the deployment of players, maybe question Dorion’s mindset this off season. Unless a guy like Logan Brown overwhelmingly proved he is worthy of NHL time, he is an easy player to demote due to contact.

I think I’m basically on your side of this conversation but have a little more patients to get the young players in there. That day will come. Nick Paul is a nice example of the waiting a little longer than (most) fans wanted to get a regular spot. Now he seems like a legitimate top 9 player without much growing pains in the NHL. Not sure that will happen for guy like L. Brown, but something to consider.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Man, are we supposed to be happy with a boner that Nick Paul is doing well. Really? I'm not singling out your statement but I can't believe we are using Nick Paul as a standard. I get that we waited with him and it's worked out but the guy is 26 years old and has a career high of 20 pts. lol. Like we need to see the centers develop here with White, Norris, and LOGAN BROWN, otherwise that's a failed pick and we need to call things as we see them.

Personally I like Galchenyuk, Watson in. I'm not sold on Paquette and Anisimov. Those 2 are just plugs for IF White and L.Brown get and take adv of their spots

Right, but at the same time this isn't a video game. The 4th line of an NHL hockey team is typically about providing high energy/physical shifts, and taking on some of the PK burden. Case in point, Watson/Paquette may not play as much 5-on-5, but are legitimately among the team leaders in PK time, and have an even higher rate of hits/60min than Tkachuk. Now I can't begin to justify the Haley thing, but I do agree that while the likes of Batherson, Norris, and Stutzle are playing in their first year of full-time NHL duty, it may be a bit much to expect them to take on significant PK duties as well.

So I don't really expect Paquette/Watson to outscore Brown/Chlapik, as opposed to playing that 4th line role more effectively. That said, I think they're being trusted with far too much responsibility, especially late in games. Smith can't just treat the 3rd period of games where they have the lead like a giant PK situation, he has to start trusting the young kids to keep the pressure on the other team. Being "tough to play against" is a mental thing he should be working on with the team's best players, as opposed to just making them watch from the bench as the team's blue collar veterans blow 3rd period leads and OT opportunities.
- khawk

First paragraph I agree.
Second paragraph that line is perfect - how can these young players grow if they don't get put in those situations? Enough is enough. I'm not saying play them PK mins, but they should get OT experience and other key times in the game

putting those guys in won't magically make them a better team, but AT THE VERY LEAST, they won't be worse, and at least they get to develop.

there is literally no better time than now to inject guys like Brown, Brannstrom, etc into the lineup and see what you have. zero pressure to win, zero fans in teh stand, and a fan base that is okay with losing ONLY AS LONG as the young players are given a chance.

they literally have almost complete carte blanche with the fan base, and still manage to do the one thing that would piss a majority of the fan base off.
- sensarmy_11

Agree with 1st paragraph. Second big time, and third one lol ya man, we should be enjoying this team. WE WAITED 10 MONTHS TO SEE Stutzle, White, Norris, Batherson, Brannstrom, L.Brown......not Stepan, Paqutte, Gudbranson, Coburn, Watson, and Haley.

Matt Murray is solid so far, more or less, but they need to mix around the lines. Keep Batherson Norris together. Keep Dadonov with Galchenyuk (they should chemistry too)

Patrik Laine - 306 GP, 250 P
Pierre-Luc Dubois - 239 GP, 159 P
Mikhail Sergachev - 232 GP, 107 P (stanley cup)

Laine was taken 9 spots ahead of Logan Brown
Dubois was taken 8 spots ahead of Logan Brown
Sergachev..... only 2

L.Brown is 40th in games played from that draft despite being drafted 11th

No, that's you making a baseless assumption that White/Chlapik would be better than Paquette/Watson on the PK or in a high-energy role, and also suggesting that Paul should be on the 4th line despite being one of the best players on the team so far this season. The reality is that White/Chlapik aren't particularly physical, and have never played the PK in the NHL... while Watson/Paquette have the 2nd and 4th most SH ice time among forwards, and lead the team's forwards in hits/60min and blocked shots/60min. Now maybe it's time for White/Chlapik to start to learn from those guys, and I'd have no problem with them being rotated onto the 4th line more frequently, and partnered up with a veteran to get some PK exposure. But just throwing an all-kids line on the ice to see if they can handle the PK doesn't strike me as a very realistic approach.

Now, if you're advocating for a more equitable lineup distribution, (i.e. like a 1/3a/3b/3c line-up structure), then I could see something like this working for the bottom-9 (with Paquette and Chlapik rotating in)...

Paul-Stepan-Dadonov
Stutzle-Tierney-Watson
Galchenyuk-White-Brown

In terms of coaching, that forces you to give up the idea of having a go-to 3rd line for key line match-ups, which is why Paul-Tierney-Brown are currently all in the top 4 forwards on the team for ES ice time. But if your primary objective this year is really to get the young kids the experience they need, then maybe the 3a/3b/3c system would be a better way to go. If nothing else, it would allow the Tkachuk-Norris-Batherson line to continue to lead the way offensively, and ensure that all of Stutzle, White, Paul, and Chlapik get exposure to multiple game situations while playing regularly with a pair of more established veterans.
- khawk

Chlapik has played on the PK in both NHL and AHL and been really good in both leagues. He’s arguably the best defensive forward prospect in our system. White has also killed penalties the last couple of years, and hasn’t been awful.

I’d WAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY rather give up a tiny bit in the PK department to have 3 players who can actually take a regular shift at 5v5 and not get caved in.

If our forwards killing penalties are Brown, Paul, Chlapik, White, Tierney.........does injecting Paquette and Watson seriously improve it enough to justify the MASSIVE hit the team takes in 5v5?