We were supposed to get bigger younger and our new additions Richardson/Santorelli/Dalpe are all similar small speedy defensive specialists, this is not the change we needed, add Hansen/Higgins/Booth/Burrows/Schroeder these are forwards that in no way scare anybody.
What this game did show was what kind of team LA has. A cheap shotting team that won't answer the bell if called out. A team that wil get the benefit of referreing. A team that can dive and taunt and attack star players without refute..and were outted by Sestito and Tort's in that game.
Hard nosed coaches don't like quitters or floaters...simple message, play hard and to your capabilities..OR SIT,
plus at this rate I believe that yes, he would clear waivers, which would open up a spot to bring up a younger player to help out.
No Booth on the hard-nosed-4th line, he's not a tourist here, his lines are 2 or 3, IF he deserves the ice time..which is totally up to Gillis Tortorella. so for now he sits
We'll see what character is left in the room and who steps up after a few weird games, somebody has to steady the boat. My guess is a few veterans have take the lead and push a tough win thru here.
I love what Richardson brings but I feel we need the size of Lain and he might have faceoff potential as well as speed on the forecheck and added snarl to our 4th line..we have a small 1st line we need a big 4th line. The slot needs the size advantages.
Torts has a good read on Kassian's development, great game last nite, his defensive positioning is improving, and NO penaties!Bonus. just needs better puck possession along the boards..but after the whistle he looks really good eyeing down any chirpers out there!
Too bad my expectations of him were too high since 'the thing' but honestly if he settled in as a serviceable checking forward I wouldn't mind, he has speed and toughness, 3rd or 4th liner but not the power forward we were looking for..who knows 3 years from now he may blow up.
He can't keep losing the puck battles along the boards. simple things, one thing I can say is his speed is there he just has to figure out what to do with it (ie. watch Higgy)
Kass has to do something to earn his roster spot and paycheck otherwise he's clumped with Weise/Sestito and a 4th line status which isn't bad but we already have 2 of those so snit or get off the pot.
Schroeder is no Malholtra, and he is not 3rd line material..faceoff wise and not sure if he can score at all, and won't bodycheck, he can do perimeter stuff but that's more 1st second line stuff.