|
|
Post by eaglei12 on Feb 28, 2008 21:45:35 GMT -5
I personally think that's an unfair comment. I don't think any of the 4th line players have had a chance to show what talent or skill they actually have seeing very limited ice time. Mix some of those players with the 1st, 2nd or 3rd line players and they'll get points but not playing regular shifts is not easy. I think it would be fair to use the term not experienced enough but not for lack of talent. These kids were drafted for a reason and are playing here for a reason. Unfortunately for some the word Rookie comes to play. Bottom line not for lack of talent but lack of OHL experience.
|
|
|
|
Post by donjohnson on Feb 29, 2008 12:01:24 GMT -5
Let me use your post to strengthen mine...Jordan Szwartz is both TALENTED and a ROOKIE. He's on the #1 line right now. Here are my questions: 1) Do you think that Taylor, Pachis and Tront are as TALENTED as Szwartz? 2) Do you feel like our team (in general) is talented enough to make the playoffs by switching lines around to give the 4th liners a chance to play? 3) Do you believe that the OHL Playoffs and the "end of season positioning games" are the proper time to focus on 4th line players? 4) Do you feel that our coaches are the worst talent evaluators and they've had their eyes closed in practice and someone like Tront should be on the #1 Line scoring 25 goals? The OHL Playoffs are about matchups...some of these 4th liners will get extra time if they match up well with an opponent. Someone like Allicock might get more icetime if he's out there agitating the star of the other team. Or, perhaps Neily is going to use his speed to be a forechecker much like Kris Draper has always done for the "Grind Line." Fact is, these 4th liners need to (and may already) understand that they are role players and if they play those roles to perfection, they'll start to get regular icetime with better lines (still performing those roles). A good example of this is Paul Bissonette...he was a solid d-man, had a good Penguins camp the one year and played ECHL for them. Now, he's a forward, tough guy, and has a shot to make it to the show...see below: www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19325136&BRD=2259&PAG=461&dept_id=504260&rfi=6 |
|
|
|
Post by eaglei12 on Feb 29, 2008 15:35:27 GMT -5
Not disagreeing with you at all DJ .... your choices are good and expecially at this time!!!!! I am disagreeing with the words "no talent" as you have no idea until you see them playing regular shifts what they truly have to offer. Hopefully next season these boys will have more opportunity having this year as their year of experience. I don't think we've seen enough of them to know what their strengths or weaknesses are or if they even have a role yet!  Where playoffs are concerned, I agree ... got to play the experienced players and the ones you've developed all season! |
|
|
|
Post by donjohnson on Feb 29, 2008 15:53:01 GMT -5
just so we're clear, i never said "no talent"...the 4th liners are obviously talented enough to make an OHL team so they've definitely got mad hockey skillz. It's about being talented enough to make a contribution in the playoffs, which by my unqualified opinion, they're not there yet.
|
|
|
|
Post by spiritfan8 on Feb 29, 2008 16:53:17 GMT -5
I can remember when Tomas Holmstrom was a Black Ace. It's all about attitude, hard work in practice, and making the most of your opportunity when it comes. dj is right--this is not the time of the season for auditioning. We have to trust the coaches to act on what they observe, on and off ice.
Thanks for that link, dj--always liked Biss and I am glad things are looking up for him.
|
|
|
|
Post by SaginawGensFan on Feb 29, 2008 17:58:42 GMT -5
As far as the whole 4th line goes, I am not saying that they need to roll 4 continuously, but to have a solid 4th line that can play 2-3 shifts a period to give the other guys a rest is very important, I think. As far as Bissonnette goes, I, too, always liked him & was sad to see him leave. Was just watching some of his fights, and while he isn't the greatest fighter in the world, he wins as many as he loses, and has gone toe-to-toe with some NHL guys such as Jesse Boulerice, who he lost once to & beat once. You can see the scraps at www.dropyourgloves.com/Fights/FightCard.aspx?Season=2008&League=3&Player=10706. |
|
|
|
Post by donjohnson on Feb 29, 2008 17:59:14 GMT -5
Thanks for that link, dj--always liked Biss and I am glad things are looking up for him. you're welcome...i tried to add it to the right section a couple days ago but the site was down. He's making my autographed stick more valuable ;D |
|
|
|
Post by SaginawGensFan on Feb 29, 2008 18:03:05 GMT -5
Thanks for that link, dj--always liked Biss and I am glad things are looking up for him. you're welcome...i tried to add it to the right section a couple days ago but the site was down. He's making my autographed stick more valuable ;D Hey, I have an autographed Bissonnette stick too!!! And a one of a kind 8x10 photo! |
|
|
|
Post by eaglei12 on Feb 29, 2008 18:09:07 GMT -5
just so we're clear, i never said "no talent"...the 4th liners are obviously talented enough to make an OHL team so they've definitely got mad hockey skillz. It's about being talented enough to make a contribution in the playoffs, which by my unqualified opinion, they're not there yet. Now we're good! Fully agree and they're not there yet, you're right. |
|
Where playoffs are concerned, I agree ... got to play the experienced players and the ones you've developed all season!
