I have to mention.....

AB Habman · Guru

I have to mention.....

mdmrules · Member

You never cease to amaze me... 8 straight wins man! Its okay to say something positive.

I think this is the 5th thread you have started about Downey... and Murray? You do realize that that line had 6 points tonight... you don't think that he had anything to do with it?

This isn't the www.reasonsthehabssuck.com message board. Criticism is fine... good even... but I am now becoming convinced that you are incapable of anything else.

rwp2le · Guru

AB, I mean you no disrepect, but Begin was also claimed off waivers, and could not crack a terrible Buffalo line up a few years back. I don't think Downey is here to fight, or score. He is here as a checker and a pest. I think he does a great job, and plays his role perfectly. I really don't know who else on our current roster could fill his spot.

Power · Veteran Member

I have to back AB on this Downey case, Downeys role is also to fight, yes his is good checker too. Begin has those qualitys too he is eager to tackle and is pest, but he is not a fighter, and Murray can also fill his place.

I mean that if Downey is not a fighter then we need that guy in roster that is frightening enough that opposing team players think twice before they try to run our goalie flat or try these knee-on-knee tackles or something else.Yes they think now one time because of these Komi and Souray incidents but when they think twice they find that every time when they do something like that we end up losing # 2,3 or 4 D-man and that is good for them only not us.

This new instigator rules makes defending your team mate impossible without losing one man because of these big penalties and because of that this guy who does these message sendings must be someone who is capable and eager to do that and is worth absolutely nothing if we look his meaning for PP or PK like McGrattan, Peters, Shelley and etc.

I hope that somebody understand what I am trying to say.

AB Habman · Guru

Thankyou Power and rwp2le. That's my point. If Downey isn't here to fight or score but just to merely be another checker than why not stick with Sunny. At least the guy has some talent to go with it.

Last night, Begin and Bonk forechecked well but they had no one to finish plays or keep the puck alive. As a result, zero points. If they had a third wheel like Zed, Murray, Bulis or Sunny...at least they have a chance at offense. They already have a tough guy on that line...Begin..who is a heck of a lot stronger an grittier than our shadow boxer.

If Gainey is going to stick with balanced offense, then do so with a chance from our fourth line also. Murray needs to be there. Bulis back with Plecs. Zed with Ribs.

Well, I'm sure Gainey will have to do this at playoff time anyway. We can't have dead weight on any line.

rwp2le · Guru

I would love to see Sunny back in the line up. Talk about missed potential, man this guy is probably one of the 3 most talented players on this team, but that easy come, easy go attitude doesn't fair so well. Sunny was supposed to be a first line winger in the NHL. I wonder what happened to him?

AB Habman · Guru

rwp2le wrote:

I would love to see Sunny back in the line up. Talk about missed potential, man this guy is probably one of the 3 most talented players on this team, but that easy come, easy go attitude doesn't fair so well. Sunny was supposed to be a first line winger in the NHL. I wonder what happened to him?

We might still see this guy when the games count.

AB Habman · Guru

This game against Devils is a very good example on why I posted the start thread.

We get away with our lesser players against back-up goalies but when you play a playoff type team like Devils who are very disciplined defensively and take away your time and space you need your best players in the lineup.

In the playoffs, expect to see Murray or Sunny on fourth line and Zed back in on second. Did you notice Downey miss a rebound at an open net. Those are the kind of misses you can't afford against a solid team. The worst possible thing that could of happened tonight was Downey luckily able to throw the puck on the net and have it go off Ribs. Now the guy thinks he's a gifted goal scorer and will never drop his gloves again(not that he does anyway). Where was he when Begin got clobbered in the face.

Anyways, my point is against quality goalies and solid defensive teams, you have to counter with offensive players like Zed or strong two way players like Bulis and Sunny who can skate, pass and shoot. Remember, these are players on the payroll also.

Also, when Begin goes out with an injury, all of a sudden you have no depth to add to the fourth line that only has one player that can play(Bonk) left on it. Zed should of been in the line-up tonight. He could of got a strong deep forecheck going.