1/ With the NHL trade deadline a day away, I'll present a "road-map" forward for the Nashville #Preds.
Some may ask: "Who...are...you?"
Today they're a fan favorite line. But Grimaldi+Smith first appeared randomly, a year ago. I was the first/only to argue for their pairing! ☝️
Some may ask: "Who...are...you?"
Today they're a fan favorite line. But Grimaldi+Smith first appeared randomly, a year ago. I was the first/only to argue for their pairing! ☝️
2/ What NHL analysts tend not to grasp about the #Preds is that they don't have a "franchise" forward (ie. McDavid, Matthews, Panarin, Kucherov).
To succeed, they have to take niche pieces & fit them in such a way that the "sum becomes a whole of the parts".
ie. Line Chemistry
To succeed, they have to take niche pieces & fit them in such a way that the "sum becomes a whole of the parts".
ie. Line Chemistry
3/ Historically, #Preds lines that generate a *consistently* fluid offensive *identity* have displayed a common formula...
Strength
+
Hyper-Sonic Speed
+
Wildcard skill
To understand the history, see the quote below. Then let's advance to each category:
Strength
+
Hyper-Sonic Speed
+
Wildcard skill
To understand the history, see the quote below. Then let's advance to each category:
4/ What do we mean by "Strength" - in an offensive context?
These are players who can navigate along the boards & withstand physical defensive pressure. They don't stumble or get bogged-down by a bump.
A #Preds example, from Johansen & Forsberg:
These are players who can navigate along the boards & withstand physical defensive pressure. They don't stumble or get bogged-down by a bump.
A #Preds example, from Johansen & Forsberg:
5/ Without the puck, yet still in an offensive context, what do we mean by "Strength"?
These are players who can execute disruptive hits, win battles for possession along the boards, maintain screens & footing in the slot.
A #Preds example, from Forsberg & Watson:
These are players who can execute disruptive hits, win battles for possession along the boards, maintain screens & footing in the slot.
A #Preds example, from Forsberg & Watson:
6/ What do we mean by "Hyper-Sonic Speed" - in an offensive context?
The NHL has gotten faster on average...so we use "hyper-sonic" to describe players who edge out the "fast", beat coverages, and drive pace.
A #Preds example from Grimaldi:
The NHL has gotten faster on average...so we use "hyper-sonic" to describe players who edge out the "fast", beat coverages, and drive pace.
A #Preds example from Grimaldi:
7/ Without the puck, yet still in an offensive context, what do we mean by "Hyper-Sonic Speed"?
Speed allows them to serve as roadblocks. They also have the trait of "jockey" height. This makes them slippery to handle & very sneaky.
A #Preds example from Grimaldi & Blackwell:
Speed allows them to serve as roadblocks. They also have the trait of "jockey" height. This makes them slippery to handle & very sneaky.
A #Preds example from Grimaldi & Blackwell:
8/ "Strength" & "Hyper-Sonic Speed" are mandatory elements in offensively fluid #Preds lines.
The final element is your "WildCard". A repetition of the above. Or players who may not be as fast or strong...but have certain skills like sniping, defensive acumen, character etc.
The final element is your "WildCard". A repetition of the above. Or players who may not be as fast or strong...but have certain skills like sniping, defensive acumen, character etc.
9/ When the #Preds formulate lines that don't adhere to this formula of balanced line-making...
You get lines that routinely get "bogged down" & rely on quick point shots for offense.
So it's important to categorize the roster correctly...
You get lines that routinely get "bogged down" & rely on quick point shots for offense.
So it's important to categorize the roster correctly...
10/ Here are the #Preds current "Strength" elements:
Filip Forsberg
Ryan Johansen
Nick Bonino
Craig Smith
Austin Watson
Colton Sissons
Yakov Trenin
Mathieu Joseph
Filip Forsberg
Ryan Johansen
Nick Bonino
Craig Smith
Austin Watson
Colton Sissons
Yakov Trenin
Mathieu Joseph
11/ Here are the #Preds current "Hyper-Sonic Speed" elements:
Rocco Grimaldi
Viktor Arvidsson
Colin Blackwell
Anthony Richard
Rem Pitlick
Rocco Grimaldi
Viktor Arvidsson
Colin Blackwell
Anthony Richard
Rem Pitlick
12/ Here are the #Preds current "WildCard" elements:
Matt Duchene
Calle Jarnkrok
Kyle Turris
Mikael Granlund
Eeli Tolvanen
Matt Duchene
Calle Jarnkrok
Kyle Turris
Mikael Granlund
Eeli Tolvanen
13/ Utilizing this current roster & a respect of role/balance...let's formulate *optimal lines* for the Nashville #Preds.
These lines are based on careful study since 2019. You can't guarantee scoring, but these provide you diverse modes of attack - with consistent identity!
These lines are based on careful study since 2019. You can't guarantee scoring, but these provide you diverse modes of attack - with consistent identity!
14/ Forsberg - Johansen - Arvidsson
The only #Preds line that generates consistent cycles - with elite passing. They survive along the boards thanks to two "Strength" elements in Forsberg & Johansen.
For more detail:
The only #Preds line that generates consistent cycles - with elite passing. They survive along the boards thanks to two "Strength" elements in Forsberg & Johansen.
For more detail:
15/ Grimaldi - Duchene - Smith
#Preds told Matt Duchene was told he'd have "high tempo, get up & go" offense. Instead he's consistently bogged down with medium-slow linemates. Smith & Grimaldi are a unit, who elevate any center.
For more detail:
#Preds told Matt Duchene was told he'd have "high tempo, get up & go" offense. Instead he's consistently bogged down with medium-slow linemates. Smith & Grimaldi are a unit, who elevate any center.
For more detail:
16/ Sissons - Bonino - Watson
A rare line that's worked - outside "the formula". Exceptional defensive skill & a St Louis Blues style "heavy hockey" offense. The players have previously said they love playing with each other.
For more detail:
A rare line that's worked - outside "the formula". Exceptional defensive skill & a St Louis Blues style "heavy hockey" offense. The players have previously said they love playing with each other.
For more detail:
17/ Trenin - Jarnkrok - Blackwell
Like Grimaldi & Smith, Trenin & Blackwell work seamlessly as a unit. Jarnkrok provides a wrist shot & defensive acumen. They can provide a hybrid style utilizing speedy rushes or heavy cycling.
For more detail:
Like Grimaldi & Smith, Trenin & Blackwell work seamlessly as a unit. Jarnkrok provides a wrist shot & defensive acumen. They can provide a hybrid style utilizing speedy rushes or heavy cycling.
For more detail:
18/ Last two GAME TAPE's, I've detailed the "opportunity costs" of Turris & Granlund within the top six. There are significant physical & speed issues.
It's rehabilitation. But it's not playoff hockey.
For more detail:
It's rehabilitation. But it's not playoff hockey.
For more detail:
19/ Let's hope the #Preds consider these *optimal lines*. Presented Grimaldi & Smith in January 2019...no one supported it.
Organization delayed, until desperation forced it this year. Now it's considered one of the best lines.
"Why Wait?" is my Stanley Cup song, by the way:
Organization delayed, until desperation forced it this year. Now it's considered one of the best lines.
"Why Wait?" is my Stanley Cup song, by the way:
