Panthers @ Leafs - Jan. 30th, 7:00pm - SN, SN 590

[GhostofPotvin29]

That was a filthy shot by Lupul.

 

[ZBBM]

Why not Clarkson on the 4th line?

Because RW on the 4th line is Orr's spot. Seriously, though, that's really the only option that fits Raymond into the lineup, but, at the same time, I think that makes the 3rd line less effective in terms of being able to grinding, physical line and really makes Clarkson a waste. For Clarkson on the 4th line to work, the Leafs need a different coach.

I'm on board with that.

Really, though, on the merits Clarkson SHOULD be on the 4th line, Raymond on the 3rd, and Ashton goes back down.  The idea that Raymond with 14 goals doesn't fit somewhere in the lineup and Ashton does is just absurd.

 

[LittleHockeyFan]

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

It feels like the offense has exploded since McClement was dropped back to 4th line ES minutes.

Anyone know if that actually jives with the offense heating back up?

 

[lamajama]

Too long in seeing that LHF!

 

[bustaheims]

The idea that Raymond with 14 goals doesn't fit somewhere in the lineup and Ashton does is just absurd.

Well, it comes down to roles. When there's no spot in the top 9 for Raymond and Ashton can play a more physical game that you expect from your 4th line . . . that leaves Raymond on the trade block.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Kadri back on pace for 60 points.

 

[ZBBM]

5 straight goals has given us the luxury of spending the entire GDT arguing about the relative merits of 3rd and 4th liners.

 

[2badknees]

Depending on what you want out of your third line, Raymond might be a fit. Fourth line, no point.

 

[2badknees]

I was hoping to hear Bowen do his "larceny!!" line again.

 

[Kin]

The idea that Raymond with 14 goals doesn't fit somewhere in the lineup and Ashton does is just absurd.

Well, it comes down to roles. When there's no spot in the top 9 for Raymond and Ashton can play a more physical game that you expect from your 4th line . . . that leaves Raymond on the trade block.

I don't know if it's possible but if you could get for Raymond something along the lines of what they gave for Holland that would be a pretty neat little turn of events.

 

[bustaheims]

It feels like the offense has exploded since McClement was dropped back to 4th line ES minutes.

Anyone know if that actually jives with the offense heating back up?

It's only 9 games (including tonight), but it looks like it. 34 actual hockey goals (and one shootout goal on top of that) in that span.

 

[lc9]

The idea that Raymond with 14 goals doesn't fit somewhere in the lineup and Ashton does is just absurd.

Well, it comes down to roles. When there's no spot in the top 9 for Raymond and Ashton can play a more physical game that you expect from your 4th line . . . that leaves Raymond on the trade block.

I think this is how you view it.  I don't think Carlye thinks this way, based on Raymond always being in the top 9 since the season started. 

Ashton has no chance of staying in a healthy lineup.

 

[Bonsixx]

In other news, Ovechkin is currently a team-worst -5 against the Blue Jackets.

Crazy.

 

[bustaheims]

I don't know if it's possible but if you could get for Raymond something along the lines of what they gave for Holland that would be a pretty neat little turn of events.

I could see a bubble team looking for more offence parting with a 2nd or a 3rd for him (or an equivalent prospect).

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

5 straight goals has given us the luxury of spending the entire GDT arguing about the relative merits of 3rd and 4th liners.

I think this season has shown the importance of having quality 3rd and 4th liners.

 

[ZBBM]

The idea that Raymond with 14 goals doesn't fit somewhere in the lineup and Ashton does is just absurd.

Well, it comes down to roles. When there's no spot in the top 9 for Raymond and Ashton can play a more physical game that you expect from your 4th line . . . that leaves Raymond on the trade block.

You just changed the argument mid-stream.  We're arguing about whether he deserves to be in the lineup when Clarkson and Bolland come back, not whether he'd be valuable trade bait.  He would be.

 

[lc9]

Ashton looked pretty bad on that breakaway. 

 

[2badknees]

Gleason should be given a SV% stat.

 

[bustaheims]

I think this is how you view it.  I don't think Carlye thinks this way, based on Raymond always being in the top 9 since the season started. 

Ashton has no chance of staying in a healthy lineup.

Carlyle also hasn't had a full lineup since the season started, and the team has added Holland since then.