I have already completed a mini-tirade about Coach Bill Peters constant line shuffling and pointed out a few more specific objections in terms of decisions and process.
I have actually bitten my tongue and steered away from a few more opportunities to grumble or question this process as lines have been reblended multiple more times.
I put the question to you. If you were Hurricanes Coach Bill Peters what would you do for line combinations based on what we have seen so far?
Go Canes!
Thursday practice entry from Bill Peters (as reported by @MSmithCanes from the team is:
McGinn-E. Staal-Versteeg
Gerbe-J. Staal-Nestrasil
Skinner-Rask-Lindholm
Malone-McClement-Terry
What do people think about these?
Using the forwards available today:
53-16-12
23-11-15
32-49-14
24-18-25/42
I’ve been telling people for a while I want to see Eric Staal on right wing. Also think it’s time to embrace Lindholm as a potential replacement for Eric as 1C. He proved he’s more than comfortable in the position against Florida, so let it continue with Skinner and Eric. While he wants the puck on his stick right now, Lindholm is dangerous shooting off the pass, so playing with two guys who want to skate with the puck won’t hurt his numbers.
Also want to get Jordan more offensive minded players to boost his number. Nestrasil put up numbers in March and April when paired with Jordan. With two big bodies, there should be space for McGinn in the offensive zone.
The rest of the line fills itself out.
I really like JStaal/Nestrasil. I think Nestrasil has been playing well and is purest power forward Canes have at wing (EStaal is other if he doesn’t play center). Without enough playmaking to around, I like idea of big, strong cycling/puck possession 2nd line that is difficult for skill lines to play against. I also think that path to some goal scoring for JStaal’s line is puck possession=>Puck to point for shot=>Crash the net.
Here is what I had sent to you as my line recommendations a few weeks ago, It’s pretty similar to what Peters had at practice today. (With all the changes Peters makes, it was just a matter of time until my lines eventually matched up with his…..)
Skinner/Rask/Lindholm
Terry/E.Staal/Versteeg
Gerbe/J.Staal/Nestrasil (best defensive line)
Malone/McClement/Nash
To me, having Terry on 4th line is a waste of time. With his skill set, if he is not on a scoring line, he might as well be back in Charlotte. I would give him a shot playing with E Staal and let McGinn bang with Malone and McClement (the 3M line?) Other than that switch I like the latest line combinations.
I like
Skinner-Eric-Lindholm
Gerbe-Jordan-Versteeg
Terry-Rask-Nash
Malone-McClement-Nestrasil
First line of a sniper, a powerful center who can drive the net and open up space, and a playmaker who also brings a good shot and a bit of a power forward shot.
First line of a good energy player in Gerbe who can play hard and capitalize on opportunities, a powerful 2-way center in Jordan who can drive the net and crash for rebounds generated by Versteeg, who plays a puck carrier/playmaker role here.
Third of Terry who hopefully get his offense going and brings a good shot, a good young 2-way center in Rask with good offensive upside, and player in Nash (once he’s healthy) who hopefully can recapture some of his scoring touch from a year ago.
Fourth line brings good energy and physical play.