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Great write up Todd. 2 questions for you (the second one is two parts):
1.) Do you personally like the of pairing Zajac and Gusev or would you do something different? I think it’s helped Gusev’s game a little since he was scratched, but I also see the point of leaving Hughes’ line and Hischier’s line intact for now.
2a.) Totally agree on Subban needing less ice time, but what would you say is a reasonable amount? 15-18 minutes? He definitely can’t handle 20+ anymore.
2b.) Do you think it’s time to let Damon Severson take on that bigger role defensively? He seems to have taken a big step this year. Should he play more down the stretch in a close game, but maybe pair him with Ryan Murray rather than Ty Smith (at least in the defensive zone to protect a lead)?
1) they haven't been great yet this year, but they were excellent alongside Coleman a year ago. I get the Devils don't have a Coleman so they won't reach those heights, however, I'd like to believe they can at least be competent with the right 3rd wheel.
2) I think 2nd/3rd pairing minutes at even-strength with a limited role on special teams would be a reasonable place to start
3) I don't know that I'd want to break up Severson/Smith but Severson+Kulikov worked well together and I think Murray would be a nice compliment for Smith if they need to switch things up in order to get Subban down the lineup
Thanks for the responses. I didn’t imply I wanted to break up Severson and Smith because I like that pairing a lot. I just thought if the team had to defend a lead late in the game, would they do that to give Severson more ice time. Sorry if my question was not well worded.
Nico is starting to bring Zacha down with him.
Great write up Todd. 2 questions for you (the second one is two parts):
1.) Do you personally like the of pairing Zajac and Gusev or would you do something different? I think it’s helped Gusev’s game a little since he was scratched, but I also see the point of leaving Hughes’ line and Hischier’s line intact for now.
2a.) Totally agree on Subban needing less ice time, but what would you say is a reasonable amount? 15-18 minutes? He definitely can’t handle 20+ anymore.
2b.) Do you think it’s time to let Damon Severson take on that bigger role defensively? He seems to have taken a big step this year. Should he play more down the stretch in a close game, but maybe pair him with Ryan Murray rather than Ty Smith (at least in the defensive zone to protect a lead)?
1) they haven't been great yet this year, but they were excellent alongside Coleman a year ago. I get the Devils don't have a Coleman so they won't reach those heights, however, I'd like to believe they can at least be competent with the right 3rd wheel.
2) I think 2nd/3rd pairing minutes at even-strength with a limited role on special teams would be a reasonable place to start
3) I don't know that I'd want to break up Severson/Smith but Severson+Kulikov worked well together and I think Murray would be a nice compliment for Smith if they need to switch things up in order to get Subban down the lineup
Thanks for the responses. I didn’t imply I wanted to break up Severson and Smith because I like that pairing a lot. I just thought if the team had to defend a lead late in the game, would they do that to give Severson more ice time. Sorry if my question was not well worded.