Daniel's Keys to The Series
by Daniel AC on Apr 12, 2011 1:11 PM PDT
in Playoffs
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DANIEL:
Anaheim calling to the hockey world...
The rumblings about this series have already started. It's easy to say it's going to come down to the Ducks' top line against the Predators' top pair. In situations like that, it is much more likely that it'll be a wash. As such, I've come up with some other factors that will determine the outcome of the series. Some are more obvious than others...sorry.
Goaltending: Looks like Ellis is going to be the Ducks starter. Improvements on D means he won't have to be spectacular, but he needs to make sure the Ducks don't fall behind. Pekka Rinne is going to be tough to beat early in the series. Ellis has to be just frustrating enough to frustrate the Predators. If he can keep their offense from gaining any serious momentum, then it would go a long way towards helping the Ducks be on the right end of the 3-2 and 2-1 games that are going to dominate this series.
The Third Line: Everyone wants to focus on the top line/big pair match up, but that's not the most important match up of the series. With home ice advantage, Carlyle needs to focus on wearing down Weber and Suter as much as possible, so that the top line can seal the deal come games 5,6, and 7. If Carlyle is going to insist on keeping Dan Sexton out of the line up, then he needs to make sure that he gets the appropriate mileage out of Winchester.
Brad is a big guy who needs to lay the body on Weber and Suter every chance he gets. Moreover, if he puts Ryan on the third line to spread the scoring, then Bobby is going to have to find the back of the net a few times, as well as contribute to the physical play. The Ducks will need this third line to help wear down the Preds, and chip in on the score sheet. Otherwise, Nashville is going to counter attack us to death.
Saku Koivu: Koivu is the top playmaker on the second PP unit, and he's one of our top PK forwards. He distributes the puck on the second line. Plus, as was noted by Matt Barr in a stat nerd column at Yahoo! sports, Koivu is one of the top 5 players in this year's playoffs in terms of increased points per game. Koivu scores .104 more points per game in the playoffs than he does in the regular season. The Ducks are going to need that extra secondary production in order to give the top line the time it will need to break through in this series.
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Carlyle needs to focus on wearing down Weber and Suter as much as possible
Im not sure why he doesnt use rutuu more for this than winchester…jarkko seems to have little bit more speed to recover from his forechecking and extremly willing to do so…freakin maniac..I still havent figured out any winchester does well at all
I hope bobby can get that 3rd line going..hes shown the ability to increase production from a line before…why they pair Ryan-sexton-mcmillian is beyond me…sexton and mcmillian seem to work together well…
they should sit have marchant center parros and rutuu for the 4th and sit the wench
faceoffs will be key..and it showed we missed marchant in that area when he was gone
Shark fans in a "frenzy" after another playoff ouster
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 12, 2011 1:29 PM PDT reply actions
*why they dont
Shark fans in a "frenzy" after another playoff ouster
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 12, 2011 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Winchester has been a consistent physical player. I made my observations on the assumption that Carlyle would choose to go with him. I agree, I’d like to see more Dan Sexton, but if Carlyle is committed to not playing him, then I think Winchester can be a good choice to just get on top of Weber and Suter.
I’d rather see Belesky on the top line than Winchester if it’s a choice between the pair. It may seem harsh, but Wich seems to drag down whatever line he’s on. Belesky at least knows to try and occupy some defenders to give Getz & Perry room and occasionally expect a pass.
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for dinner.
Liberty is well armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin
register is saying in practice
mcmillian-bonino-belesky on the 3rd line
and the top line RPG
winch on the 4th line with marchant and parros…Im ok with giving that a go..it gets winch off the 3rd line..still prefer sexton or rutuu taking winch’s spot…but ill take him on the 4th instead if I gotta
Shark fans in a "frenzy" after another playoff ouster
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 13, 2011 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions
I was hoping to see that 3rd line but didnt think it would happen till next year, Bonino is hot right now.
This might acually be a brilliant move. When I was doing the post I was wondering if it would be best to move McMillan to the wing so that he could shadow Weber and try to neutralize his offensive game.
I concluded it would be best to simply let the physical play carry. But this line might have more offensive pop, without sacrificing defensive responsibility.
by Daniel AC on Apr 13, 2011 9:08 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
well belesky is imfamous for missing defensive responsibilites…mcmillan and el nino should be able to cover…really u just need belesky being chris kunitz and crashing and banging on the forecheck…retreaving pucks
I hope this how gorilla head starts his lines…so far the pre-skates usually foretells the line combos
Shark fans in a "frenzy" after another playoff ouster
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 13, 2011 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions
I like Bonino.
He’s like a skinnier, less talented, less physical Getz.
I hope he can be our # 2 in the next couple years.
Not sure how much he can contribute now though.
That does seem like an interesting 3rd line though. I’m good with it. At least at home. I think on the road you’d have to split the Triplets. Add Ryan to this and move up Belesky.
HAHAHA
Shark fans in a "frenzy" after another playoff ouster
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 13, 2011 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions
I assume Tootoo will be out there to counter Rutuu.
"My, my, here's one for the (no) neck. Don't relax, 'cause you're next for the check!"
Way to many vowels in that match up.
by Newport Rebel on Apr 12, 2011 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
And I see you had to counter with one less vowel than required to prevent voewl overload (to vs. too).
Yeah I did that. I was wondering if anyone would catch it. Good eye there.
by Newport Rebel on Apr 13, 2011 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions
What's the situation with the top line?
Does anyone know if Ryan will be playing with Getz and Perry tomorrow?
No sure...
but I would say yes. He seemed to put him down on the third to try and get him some confidence building before the playoffs, but I would guess they will be playing together. A bigger question for me is whether or not they’re gonna play Parros in the playoffs? Doesn’t he usually sit this time of year?
I would love to see:
Third line: Sexton – McMillan – Belesky
Fourth line: Rutuu – Marchant- Winchester
Hell i’d even settle for Sexton to replace Belesky like when they first got Brad, but they’re probably gonna keep the third and forth lines the same
by Kevin Riach on Apr 12, 2011 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Do you think we have some mystical powers or something?
Nobody can read freakin’ RC’s mind. That guy is just flat out crazy sometimes.
watch hiller start today lol
Shark fans in a "frenzy" after another playoff ouster
Go Ducks!
www.battleofcali.com
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Apr 13, 2011 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions
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