To me, this line isn't really working. They don't have a real center and they just don't have chemistry together. I would much rather see someone else in the middle and move Moreau down to the fourth line.
As I said earlier, we could turn this third line into an offensive line by adding Rob Schremp into the mix.
Penner-Schremp-Pisani
Their obvious weakness would be speed but it would be an okay offensive threat. If you inserted Pouliot or Potulny into the center position it could be used as a checking line with okay offense.
But Penner-Pisani-Moreau is a little bit of a mismatch. Pisani is a decent grinder that could potentially score 20 goals. Penner is a big guy and can be an offensive threat IF he's put with the right players. And Moreau is a good energy player that can be an effective checker.
In my opinion, Penner is almost useless if he doesn't have a good playmaker.
So, here is what I hope will happen. MacT will have to split up the Kid Line at some point in time. Penner and Gagner already had chemistry from the powerplay. It seems reasonable that a Penner-Gagner-Nilsson line could be a legit scoring threat. And a Cogliano-Brodziak-Pisani line could be a legit checking line which can pitch in a goal here and there.
As I have said before, I see no reason to split up Penner from Horcoff and Hemsky because of their chemistry. In my perfect world as of right now, MacT would ice this lineup on opening night:
Cole-Horcoff-Hemsky
Penner-Gagner-Nilsson
Cogliano-Brodziak-Pisani
Moreau-Pouliot/Brule-Stortini/Pouliot/Potulny
Brule/Potulny/Pouliot (only one of them)
Souray-Staios
Visnovsky-Smid
Gilbert-Grebeshkov
Strudwick
Garon
Roloson
Deslauriers
Brule should be sent down to make room for three goaltenders as he does not have to clear waivers. But we will see what MacTavish and Tambellinni decide to do.
Showing posts with label moreau. Show all posts
Showing posts with label moreau. Show all posts
16.9.08
Stortini
Is Zack Stortini a real NHL player?
After a solid finish to last season Stortini gained himself a new 3-year contract, 1-way. But who says he's gonna earn all that money. In these past two seasons he's wow'd the Oilers and their coaching staff with his work ethic and bravery. Not everyone wants to play every night, to only find out they have to fight Derek Boogaard. But has Stortini really shown any signs he really belongs in the NHL skill wise. He's no heavyweight, and could definately use some power skating lessons so what has he done that gives him a spot in camp this season? Sure, he delivers the odd hit here and there but so many other NHL players can do that. Does he really protect our stars like, Hemsky and Gagner? Or is he just an ECHL skilled player with an elite NHL work ethic?
This is not a bash-fest but I don't believe that he will just be handed a spot in camp. We have so many talented youngsters that could take his place. And the addition of Jason Strudwick adds a more legit fighter than Stortini. So, where will he fit in? With Ryan Potulny and Marc Pouliot both on one-way contracts, competition will be stiff. Both Potulny and Pouliot have the ability to play on the penalty kill and powerplay (we saw this at the end of last year, though I don't believe they'll see any time there) and both are solid defensively. Both can play the role of 3rd line center as well as 4th line winger. They can both pitch in an occasional goal to spark the team.
Stortini can hug his way out of fights, essentially only getting the other teams heavyweight out of the game for the next 5 minutes.
But this just raises the burning question...
Do the Oilers really need a heavyweight enforcer (like Georges Laraque, who we let go for some reason)?
Yes. Now obviously letting go of BGL was a mistake. He's a guy that is an NHL player, without fighting and a heavyweight enforcer. But I believe our team toughness is underrated. Guys like Moreau and Souray will drop the gloves occasionally and can give punishing hits to opponents' top lines. They are both above average NHL players, who both play more than just a regular shift. Jason Strudwick is an NHL vet, and has been in the league all these years not because he's the best player but he's definately not the worst. He can play forward and defense and will not hesitate to drop the gloves.
With Strudwick, does Stortini really deserve a spot on the roster?
After a solid finish to last season Stortini gained himself a new 3-year contract, 1-way. But who says he's gonna earn all that money. In these past two seasons he's wow'd the Oilers and their coaching staff with his work ethic and bravery. Not everyone wants to play every night, to only find out they have to fight Derek Boogaard. But has Stortini really shown any signs he really belongs in the NHL skill wise. He's no heavyweight, and could definately use some power skating lessons so what has he done that gives him a spot in camp this season? Sure, he delivers the odd hit here and there but so many other NHL players can do that. Does he really protect our stars like, Hemsky and Gagner? Or is he just an ECHL skilled player with an elite NHL work ethic?
This is not a bash-fest but I don't believe that he will just be handed a spot in camp. We have so many talented youngsters that could take his place. And the addition of Jason Strudwick adds a more legit fighter than Stortini. So, where will he fit in? With Ryan Potulny and Marc Pouliot both on one-way contracts, competition will be stiff. Both Potulny and Pouliot have the ability to play on the penalty kill and powerplay (we saw this at the end of last year, though I don't believe they'll see any time there) and both are solid defensively. Both can play the role of 3rd line center as well as 4th line winger. They can both pitch in an occasional goal to spark the team.
Stortini can hug his way out of fights, essentially only getting the other teams heavyweight out of the game for the next 5 minutes.
But this just raises the burning question...
Do the Oilers really need a heavyweight enforcer (like Georges Laraque, who we let go for some reason)?
Yes. Now obviously letting go of BGL was a mistake. He's a guy that is an NHL player, without fighting and a heavyweight enforcer. But I believe our team toughness is underrated. Guys like Moreau and Souray will drop the gloves occasionally and can give punishing hits to opponents' top lines. They are both above average NHL players, who both play more than just a regular shift. Jason Strudwick is an NHL vet, and has been in the league all these years not because he's the best player but he's definately not the worst. He can play forward and defense and will not hesitate to drop the gloves.
With Strudwick, does Stortini really deserve a spot on the roster?
12.9.08
Expectations for 2008-2009: Forwards
I'm being EXTREMELY optimistic for the coming season in case you haven't been able to tell already.
Ales Hemsky-can he break out and become a superstar? My answer, yes. I like him a lot though.
Projected numbers: 75 GP, 25G, 65A, 90 points
Shawn Horcoff-he has to prove last year wasn't a fluke. Just signed a big deal. Will he live up to the hype?
Projected numbers: 80 GP, 40G, 45A, 85 points
Dustin Penner-will he be on the 1st line or not? The MacBlender is likely to come out, he will see some time on the 1st line. But he strikes best on the powerplay where he should get 1st powerplay minutes.
Projected numbers: 80 GP, 30G, 30A, 60 points
Erik Cole-one of the premier power forwards in the NHL. Where does he fit in? He will be in the top six through out the year. Expect big things in his contract year.
Projected numbers: 65 GP, 30G, 40A, 70 points
Sam Gagner-had a sensational rookie campaign. He has to shake off a sophmore slump but will likely get first powerplay minutes. He could also get an upgrade in linemates but will the chemistry of the kid line be ruined? I think he has another great season this year.
Projected numbers: 80 GP, 15G, 45A, 60 points
Robert Nilsson-he was a main part of the Ryan Smyth deal. The shoes were big to fill and he had a little bit of a rollercoaster ride last season. Was in MacT's dog house for the first half of the year but hit his stride with Gagner and Cogliano. He has a new contract, let's see if he can exceed the expectations of that contract.
Projected numbers: 78 GP, 18G, 40A, 58 points
Andrew Cogliano-the comparisons to Todd Marchant are not very accurate in my opinion. As a 20-year-old rookie Cogliano scored 18 goals including 3 game-winners in OT. He will definately develop into at least a 20-goal scorer with great wheels and can occasionally kill a penalty or two.
Projected numbers: 80 GP, 22G, 35A, 57 points
Ethan Moreau-everyone says how last year we wouldve been better with Souray and Horcoff. They're both great players but they never really remember Moreau. Moreau has missed so much time in the past two seasons it's almost as if the team doesn't need him. But when Moreau is in the lineup he definately brings something to the table. He's a great penalty killer and can pitch in a goal every now and then. I hope to see a full season out of him but I'll be happy with 65 games.
Projected numbers: 65 GP, 12G, 18A, 30 points
Fernando Pisani-his contract looked bad when it was first signed. A 3rd-liner who had one good playoff run. The fact of the matter is, is that he scored 18 goals that season. A 20-goal scorer is worth a lot to a team, especially if he can kill penalties. He is one of the most underrated players and I want to see big things.
Projected numbers: 78 GP, 17G, 25A, 32 points
Kyle Brodziak-had a great season last year. He had great chemistry with Stortini and Glencross but Glencross is no longer here. He scored 14 goals and hit about 12 posts. I can see him being a 20-goal scorer in the future as well as a solid penalty killer.
Projected numbers: 82 GP, 18G, 25A, 33 points
Zack Stortini-"Huggy Bear" isn't exactly the most skilled player in the league, or the best fighter. But he somehow manages to impress the Oilers coaches with his work ethic. He definately needs to work on his stickhandling, shooting and speed (the 3 s'). But he can lay out the body and provide a spark when needed. With the addition of Strudwick he might get a birds eye view of the game more often than last year.
Projected numbers: 65 GP, 1G, 2A, 3 points
Who does the last roster spot go to?
Marc Pouliot-during the tail end of last season Pouliot showed a little bit of his 1st round form. Deemed a bust by a lot of Oilers fans, Pouliot is slowly moving his way up the Oilers depth chart and could see himself as the 3rd line center on opening night. I have never been too high on Pouliot but I believe he is a legitimate NHL player and his upside could be as high as a 2nd-3rd line center (depending on the team).
Projected numbers: 65 GP, 10G, 15A, 25 points
Ryan Potulny-I don't believe he will clear waivers and he has proven he can play at an NHL level. It gives me reason to believe he will be the 13th forward at the end of camp. The Oilers gave up 2nd-3rd pairing AHL dman Danny Syvret for him, so if he's the 13th forward it'll show to be a great deal for the Oilers.
Projected numbers: 25 GP, 6G, 8A, 14 points
Too lazy to italicize and bold.
Ales Hemsky-can he break out and become a superstar? My answer, yes. I like him a lot though.
Projected numbers: 75 GP, 25G, 65A, 90 points
Shawn Horcoff-he has to prove last year wasn't a fluke. Just signed a big deal. Will he live up to the hype?
Projected numbers: 80 GP, 40G, 45A, 85 points
Dustin Penner-will he be on the 1st line or not? The MacBlender is likely to come out, he will see some time on the 1st line. But he strikes best on the powerplay where he should get 1st powerplay minutes.
Projected numbers: 80 GP, 30G, 30A, 60 points
Erik Cole-one of the premier power forwards in the NHL. Where does he fit in? He will be in the top six through out the year. Expect big things in his contract year.
Projected numbers: 65 GP, 30G, 40A, 70 points
Sam Gagner-had a sensational rookie campaign. He has to shake off a sophmore slump but will likely get first powerplay minutes. He could also get an upgrade in linemates but will the chemistry of the kid line be ruined? I think he has another great season this year.
Projected numbers: 80 GP, 15G, 45A, 60 points
Robert Nilsson-he was a main part of the Ryan Smyth deal. The shoes were big to fill and he had a little bit of a rollercoaster ride last season. Was in MacT's dog house for the first half of the year but hit his stride with Gagner and Cogliano. He has a new contract, let's see if he can exceed the expectations of that contract.
Projected numbers: 78 GP, 18G, 40A, 58 points
Andrew Cogliano-the comparisons to Todd Marchant are not very accurate in my opinion. As a 20-year-old rookie Cogliano scored 18 goals including 3 game-winners in OT. He will definately develop into at least a 20-goal scorer with great wheels and can occasionally kill a penalty or two.
Projected numbers: 80 GP, 22G, 35A, 57 points
Ethan Moreau-everyone says how last year we wouldve been better with Souray and Horcoff. They're both great players but they never really remember Moreau. Moreau has missed so much time in the past two seasons it's almost as if the team doesn't need him. But when Moreau is in the lineup he definately brings something to the table. He's a great penalty killer and can pitch in a goal every now and then. I hope to see a full season out of him but I'll be happy with 65 games.
Projected numbers: 65 GP, 12G, 18A, 30 points
Fernando Pisani-his contract looked bad when it was first signed. A 3rd-liner who had one good playoff run. The fact of the matter is, is that he scored 18 goals that season. A 20-goal scorer is worth a lot to a team, especially if he can kill penalties. He is one of the most underrated players and I want to see big things.
Projected numbers: 78 GP, 17G, 25A, 32 points
Kyle Brodziak-had a great season last year. He had great chemistry with Stortini and Glencross but Glencross is no longer here. He scored 14 goals and hit about 12 posts. I can see him being a 20-goal scorer in the future as well as a solid penalty killer.
Projected numbers: 82 GP, 18G, 25A, 33 points
Zack Stortini-"Huggy Bear" isn't exactly the most skilled player in the league, or the best fighter. But he somehow manages to impress the Oilers coaches with his work ethic. He definately needs to work on his stickhandling, shooting and speed (the 3 s'). But he can lay out the body and provide a spark when needed. With the addition of Strudwick he might get a birds eye view of the game more often than last year.
Projected numbers: 65 GP, 1G, 2A, 3 points
Who does the last roster spot go to?
Marc Pouliot-during the tail end of last season Pouliot showed a little bit of his 1st round form. Deemed a bust by a lot of Oilers fans, Pouliot is slowly moving his way up the Oilers depth chart and could see himself as the 3rd line center on opening night. I have never been too high on Pouliot but I believe he is a legitimate NHL player and his upside could be as high as a 2nd-3rd line center (depending on the team).
Projected numbers: 65 GP, 10G, 15A, 25 points
Ryan Potulny-I don't believe he will clear waivers and he has proven he can play at an NHL level. It gives me reason to believe he will be the 13th forward at the end of camp. The Oilers gave up 2nd-3rd pairing AHL dman Danny Syvret for him, so if he's the 13th forward it'll show to be a great deal for the Oilers.
Projected numbers: 25 GP, 6G, 8A, 14 points
Too lazy to italicize and bold.
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