The Best Offense is a Good Defense?

I think that part of the approach may be that by adding bigger tougher players who are possibly a little more responsible defensively this may allow for our guys who are expected to score to do so more often….

Not sure how….

Also… I think they are really expecting LaRose and Cole to pick up their production. LaRose has gotten better each season and seems motivated to do so even more….

36 days 8 hrs 43 min.

I can’t wait till Mo’s first press conference to hear what’s going on between his ears. He really will have an opportunity this year to shine. Already seeing his influence with the pre-season/training camp schedule it seems.

The comments above are right on – I think the new defensive d-men (+ Yelle + TommyK) will allow our forwards to find more opportunities to do what they do best. It will be very interesting to see who and how. (and how often).

Anyone found photos of Ward in action at Oly Camp? I’m still feeling apprehensive about his back.

I think everyone is absolutely right. Pitkanen should benefit from A.Ward as his partner and will be able to open up his offensive game a little bit more without worrying about getting burned at the other end.

And hockeymom, I found a photo of Cam on the second day of camp.

“A few of the forwards can certainly pick up their games. Rod Brind`Amour, (16), Sergei Samsonov, (16), Erik Cole, (18), Scott Walker, (5), and Jussi Jokinen, (7), are each capable of more scoring production. After fine seasons last year, Joni Pitkanen and Joe Corvo will probably both need to improve as well. "

outta this list I expect Roddy, sammy, and colsey to stay about the same. Scotty Walker may score anywhere from 5-15 times, but I really expect Jussi to score at least 20 goals this coming season. I expect a career year outta him.

Now we are talking the reality of the situation!!! Great post Bubba! Lesse, who did we not mention? How about the biggest drain on the cap? Yup, Staal. He MUST pick up the pace and begin to lead this team in every aspect. I would also expect Cullen to squeeze a few more out. LaRose is almost maxed out I think. I don’t have any real complaints on his effort or his numbers, he is kinda where I’d expect him. You all know I think Rod will let us down. walker may not have much left in his tank either. Yelle may improve his numbers from last year, but not much. Sammi and Jussi should do better, but again 5-10 goals. So where would we get goals? I think the key got kicked to the curb. Sutter and Boychuck should be in the roster. Nobody can out skate Boychuck on this squad, even if they were in their prime and the kids got good hands. How3 many guys would leave Staal alone to watch that kid streak down the boards? Sutter is another kid that needs to play. Everyone seems to forget that the kid was the OBNLY short handed threat we had while he was here. Cullen and Rosie didn’t get the hang of it until he was gone, musta watched the tape.. sutter also would help on the PK, maybe freeing up somebody for PP minutes. I’m sorry, Yelle was a steal at half a million, but it was a half a million dollat mistake. We need speed and the effort of youth, not sedate veterans that hope they know enough not to get smoked by somebody elses youth. Cullen and Rosie and sammi are all pretty good skaters, but a speed demon like Boychuck makes shit happen. Combine that with some of the more seasoned, albeit slower guys and good things happen. I think Yelle is just a bandaid incase Rod falters. Just like I think Cole is a pacifier for Staal. I feel that is two mistakes the org. has made. the third is not bringing the kids up. Camp is all but a waste, there are no spots available. That means no incentive, no scrimmage, no youth and speed. Remember, Mo didn’t kill the run and gun, JR did. We got nobody with breakaway speed for the runnin’ and fronkly we outgunned.

Now the good news. The team is better on paper than ever before. The players look like they will mesh on and off the ice. we have 2.5 great d pairings and can roll 4 lines, what our first line lacks against an enemy team we will surely make up some of the ground by the time we hit the 4th line. except against maybe Detroit, talk about deep… cam is going to be great I think for many years to come, i would of liked to see Kolzig come in as back up instead of getting Yelle, but hey, that’s me. All in all a good squad.

The question is “are they Cup material”?

I have my doubts, i think the youth would of put us in far better shape to deal out crushing victory after maybe scraping one out. think about it. back to back home games against say Boston. You think Rod, Yelle and Walker will be able to bounce back like a 20 yr old? Gonna be good hockey this year, i think we will have to wait until next year for a real shot if this is the way the org. is gonna play it.

A

Off topic but does anyone know if theres anyway we can watch the Traverse City tourny? Maybe on one of those crazy internet tv things?

for those who are still resisting Twitter, the Canes just beeped that JRutherford will be on 850 the Buzz at 3:25 Friday afternoon. You can stream it from their website.

Here are some goal expectations that these players should have this upcoming season. Of course injuries, trades, call-ups are all going to have an effect on the totals. If we can get to the 250/260 GF range and stay around the 220/230 GA range, we should have a successful season.
Staal – 35 to 40
Ruutu – 25 to 30
Whitney – 22 to 26
Cole – 20 to 25
Cullen – 20 to 25
Samsonov – 18 to 22
LaRose – 17 to 22
Jokinen – 17 to 22
Brind’Amour – 15 to 20
Walker – 4 to 8
Kostopolous – 4 to 8
Yelle – 3 to 6
Corvo – 10 to 15
Pitkanen – 10 to 15
Ward – 3 to 7
Wallin – 2 to 4
Gleason – 1 to 3
Alberts – 1 to 3
TOTAL – 229 to 301