Thread: Heatley a Shark -done deal

Originally Posted by jt

So he has an NMC, not NTC, eh? Ok then.

Dude, are you feeling alright? He has a NTC. He can be demoted to the minors, read what I wrote.

The Pens had neither 1 or 2, at least they had no history of it before last season. Alot of people get all excited about Staal but I think the Pens' bottom 6 isn't all that different than the Sharks'. Who would you rather have from the Pens (going into last season, not what they turned into during it)?

Did you watch the SCF? Staal/Moore/Talbotwere the prototype playoff third line. They won faceoffs, checked the opposition quite well, banged the hell out of their defense, and scored some big goals:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRlWjruJKjc"]YouTube - 2009 NHL Stanley cup final - Jordan Staal goal[/ame]

The Penguins 3rd line is far superior to the Sharks, and even the Red Wings.

Originally Posted by Goallum

Sure. I said they should fight for the playoffs, which means that they should be at least 10 points better. Still, I just don't see them being anything more than a decent, middle-of-the-road team.

There would be greater chances of that if Wilson kept surrounding Thornton with character players. He's not doing it. Lombardi, on the other hand is bringing all such players he can get his hands on, so if there is a player in the Pacific that may be losing this stigma (deserved or not) this year, my bet is on Mr. Don't Take Ownership Of Having Compete. VVVVVVVVVV

Great points and I agree with it all. The only thing I'd add is that if they kept Heatley they'd probably finish around the same 83 points.

Originally Posted by lunchbox

lol, true that. i should've specified that now i don't have to hear about heatley coming to LA in a ridiculous trade anymore.

Well that's true. But it was fun to talk about...

Originally Posted by Birdman

Dude, are you feeling alright? He has a NTC. He can be demoted to the minors, read what I wrote.

I got it now, I wasn't thinking about the buyout period. Duh.

Did you watch the SCF? Staal/Moore/Talbotwere the prototype playoff third line. They won faceoffs, checked the opposition quite well, banged the hell out of their defense, and scored some big goals:

But they weren't the prototype playoff third line going into the 08-09 season and they sure as hell weren't in 07-08. And THAT'S my point.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think the Sharks can win in the playoffs but I think the LEAST of their problems is their bottom six - their worst problem is what's between the ears of their two best players. If you put the Pens' bottom six on that team, they still don't win in the playoffs.

Originally Posted by jt

If you put the Pens' bottom six on that team, they still don't win in the playoffs.

That's not how it works. When your 3rd line, who is checking the opposition's 1st or 2nd line, starts scoring goals, the coach has to change how the first line plays, or juggle the matchups.

You put the Pens 3rd line from the playoffs, with the Sharks first 2 lines right now, I'd almost bet you my mortgage on the Sharks winning a Stanley Cup.

The sharks just got worse. Cheecho and Michalek added a lot to that team and Heatley just brings baggage. IMO

Originally Posted by Birdman

That's not how it works. When your 3rd line, who is checking the opposition's 1st or 2nd line, starts scoring goals, the coach has to change how the first line plays, or juggle the matchups.

You put the Pens 3rd line from the playoffs, with the Sharks first 2 lines right now, I'd almost bet you my mortgage on the Sharks winning a Stanley Cup.

Well only the person who lives in the alternate universe where the Sharks can win in the playoffs really knows, but I think your best players need to play like your best players and Thornton and Heatley have yet to show they can do that. I don't care if the 3rd line is Thornton/Ricci/Sundstrom, if your top players play like crap, you lose.

Originally Posted by puckhog13

The sharks just got worse. Cheecho and Michalek added a lot to that team and Heatley just brings baggage. IMO

Adding a bona fide 40-50 goal scorer (albeit troubled) in exchange for a former 6th overall that has never really lived up to his potential and a flash in the pan that struggled in the bottom 6 last year? Worse? Really?

At WORST, it's a lateral move.

I just don't see SJ keeping Marleau in the same division. If it happens it is a last ditch effort. Also Nabakov and jumbo Jo better bring the A game, cause another 1st or second round exit will be all on them if Marleau is gone...I think their GM will take the fall...as he well should.

Originally Posted by ardegilio

I just don't see SJ keeping Marleau in the same division.

I agree with this. Only way I think it's realistic for Marleau to be dealt to the Kings is if it's a three-team deal with him going to another team and then to us. Stripping the long-time captain of his captaincy, then trading him to a division rival in a contract year is just tempting the hockey gods a little too much.