Lancer wrote:
I don't disagree, but it's been the same 'ole song for years - mitigated somewhat when Samuelsson was around and healthy. Compound that with the fact that one of the team's best strengths when Manny and Kes were healthy, has become a weakness, and the results can't be surprising. Short of finding another 'Manny' story, we have more than just the second-line problem.
I think bottom-six issues are easy to fix, especially if you're throwing around "Manny" money ($2.5M). A guy like Cullen could be had that can fill that role in free agency.
I would love the Canucks to have a fourth line like Boston's, but it probably won't happen. If we're going to ice a more talented roster, and I believe we can, we need to add some talent up front. Gillis NEEDS to stop gambling on guys like Raymond. And if you have to have some cheap-o fourth liners and bottom-pairing D, so be it.
IMHO, Gillis' biggest failing is counting on offence from the D. That works fine when you're getting PP's and you can move freely through the neutral zone. Come playoff time, everyone is blocking shots and your being held up. Having a bottom-pairing of guys like Alberts or Rome is completely acceptable if your forwards can score goals.
When you think Ballard could be replaced (cap-wise) by a Fisher, Michalek, Oshie or Dubinsky etc. you really see how we could have utilized our cap more effectively.