Team Makeup

Let me start by saying that I was, and still am very high on having Quinn as the new head coach. I think he can bring a dynamic to this group that we havent seen yet.

But there is a disturbing trend going on and I hope it gets nipped in the ass right away.

By this I mean the crazy lineup combo's. Oh sure I understand that Quinn is looking at all his options and seeing if there are any surprises there that he can use. But by now it should be clear that moves like JFJ on the top line, are NOT going to work on the best of nights. I like the philosophy of finding duo's rather than 3 person lines with chemistry. It is a good way to use players to their strengths and maximize potential by finding players that compliment the duo rather than a single player. But on the same token, the team IS built in such a way that there is going to be 2 scoring lines, a shutdown line and an energy line. It may not be to Quinn's taste, but simply put, the team isnt designed any other way. And until some moves can be made that put "Quinn's" team together, he should be looking at a lineup that at least works with the players.

I am honestly hoping that the opening day roster has predictable lines. I dont want to see Pouliot centering the second line with JFJ on the wing with Hemsky and Horcoff.

I am holding out hope that this is what we will see, and Quinn has just been taking a longer look than we are used to seeing because he needs a full evaluation of the organization. I have not yet been able to see the practices, but I would hope that the guys that are GOING to be on the team are showing Quinn what they can do, and the rest are just trying out for potential callups.

When this team skates out for the regular season I want to see a cohesive unit that supports their other team mates. I want to see a team that plays to its strengths and win's because of it.

No more gambles, no more guesses. Tonight is the night that will make or break several players on this team. Come next saturday we should ( I would hope ) see a team that can compete with the rest of this division.