Modifié 19 oct. 2021 à 10 h 56
Quoting: Claesson4Norris
How did you get "Tim Stützle should be a 3rd line checker" from this? That's very clearly not the point. It's actually the opposite of the point, because I was highlighting the team's options for Stützle if DJ opts to keep the Pinto line together to fill that exact role without Stützle.
You shouldn't Reilly get hung up on 1st line 2nd line 3rd line, and how each line has to fill a specific role. For example, the Pinto line this year has functionally been the 1st line in terms of deployment, and is very clearly a checking line.
My point is that some hockey teams would usually give more ice time to their 1st line than their 2nd or 3rd lines.
For instance, during Ottawa's cup run in '07, Heatley, Spezza and Alfredsson got lots of ice time while every other forward got a lot less because they checked more than they scored.
Stutzle can score more than he can check and I sort of question whether Coach DJ appreciates that.
As such, Stutzle's calibre and potential is that of a 1st line forward, not a 3rd line forward.
The main reason why Nick Paul - Shane Pinto - Connor Brown functioned as a 1st line is because of the absence of Brady Tkachuk.
Coach DJ wanted a LW to fill in for Brady who not only checks but can play on a line with Pinto/Brown and maintain chemistry while Stutzle is moved up with Norris and Batherson.
That player was Nick Paul.
After Stutzle and Paul, there is a huge drop off to the next LW and Coach DJ didn't really have much choice.
With Brady back in the lineup, either Nick Paul or Tim Stutzle will have to make room and be demoted to the 3rd line.
I'm hoping Coach DJ doesn't put Stutzle on the third line because he's not the calibre of player that belongs there and that's not his potential.
Unless Coach DJ intends to roll 4 lines and try matching them against the 4 lines on other teams, putting Nick Paul on the third line is the way to go.