The Number 7
April 2nd, 2010, 1:32 pm
To not play seven D might be a sin
As I’m sitting here about to subject myself to the new Clash of the Titans movie, my mind has begun to wander to more important things. With the Sharks entering a critical must win game tonight vs. Minnesota, it’s time to take a quick poll of our readers on something that’s been on many fans minds lately. The fact that Brad Staubitz will not play an important roll in a potential Cup run is as much a given as Mr. Sandra Bullock’s love of the Mel Brooks classic The Producers. So instead of throwing someone like Ferreiro or Vesce into the mix just to play 12 forwards, shouldn’t the Sharks very strongly consider dressing Jason Demers and rolling seven D? Demers, despite his recent bomb in Dallas, still offers a dangerous presence on the power play. I’d rather see him play six minutes of mostly PP time than see Staubitz scowl on the bench after netting three 1st period shifts. I’m not the first with this bright idea. It’s been mentioned in our comment thread and on Fear the Fin.
So, with the Sharks entering a must win in our quest for a high seed and a initial pass on the Wings, the Sharks should roll the Wild tonight. They will likely be without Zidlicky and Havlat and Barker is also banged up. Would you start tonight? Bench the Tootoo Killer and throw out seven D?
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According to Pollack that’s exactly what they’re doing tonight against Minnesota. I hope it sticks.
Yes. FTF has discussed this before. Most seem to like the idea. I like it if it means no Staubitz. I’m really tired of watching him squelch their momentum with yet another dump penalty.
The only issue I can think of is Tmac often runs the PP with four forwards. That might make ice time fir a 7th D be less connected to the PP.
I do like the idea of a in-game competition with Demers and Leach. Let them earn their time with their play. And you can use them sitiationally as the game progresses.
If Demers and Leach are on the ice at the same time we’re looking at having 8 defensemen, which is just getting silly.
Boyle-Murray
Vlassic-Blake
Huskins-Wallin
Demers-Leach
Still, having Demers to throw on the point instead of Pavs on the power play sounds like a great idea. Let Pavs go to the net since he seems to be the only forward that does that. Maybe put Blake on the wing since he seems to go to the net on the power play.
So my comments were assuming Vlassic would be out. If not, then of course I’m not suggesting that we dress 8 D. Give me a little more credit than that.
Ah, sorry, didn’t know you were unaware Pickles was in since Pollak’s blog had already been mentioned.
the idea is interesting for match ups on the road, but i do not see it as a long-term solution.