Should the Nashville Predators play Denis Grebeshkov?
by Chris Burton on Apr 21, 2010 1:08 PM EDT
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Between the Nashville Predators' power play continuing to struggle, Cody Franson being tethered to the bench, and Denis Grebeshkov being medically cleared to play, its time to ask the question: should Barry Trotz slide 'Grebs' into a defensive spot for Game 4?
After the jump, some quick pros and cons to the situation...
Back in March, we asked the question if Kevin Klein should be scratched instead of Franson when DG returns. At the time, the readership thought Franson was a better option, though not by much. User hockeydekefreak:
- Klein has been inconsistent, but shows flashes of what his game could be from time to time, his game has improved a bit since being paired with Boullon, I agree that we need at least one good “stay at home” defenseman. I’m not counting him out just yet. - Franson on the other hand is still a bit green, but looks great out there. I like his size and reach, definitely more intimidating than Klein. He also has a better slapshot. Tough choice, glad I’m not Barry Trotz, but Franson gets my vote.
After last night, however, its probably safe to say we can forget about scratching Klein. He had what I thought to be his best game of the season, staying mistake free and making a fantastic pass that sprung David Legwand's game winning goal.
Pros
- A better skater than Franson, Grebeshkov would likely be able to compensate for pinching in better.
- More experience. Trotz would probably have less issue trusting Grebeshkov in a tight spot.
- While Franson has been superb on the man advantage, Grebeshkov brings even more ability to a unit that can't put the puck in the net if their life depended on it.
Cons
- Chemistry. Denis has played very few games with the team thus far, whereas Franson has been around off and on all year.
- Getting back to game speed. Obviously, Grebeshkov has been practicing for a while but it doesn't come close to simulating the speed and physicality of playoff hockey.
- Don't fix what isn't broken. Nashville has scored eight goals on Chicago in three games and lead the series 2-1. Barry Trotz has a winning formula and probably shouldn't mess with it.
Conclusion
As much as I want to see the power play come alive, it doesn't seem wise to throw a player at a critical position into the fray and expect positive results, especially with the stakes so high. Perhaps if Nashville advances it becomes more pertinent, but if I'm Barry Trotz, I dance with who brought me. What do you think?
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I don’t know about “critical” position. If Franson is playing little more than the PP time, why not slot Grebs in there and see if something can’t be sparked. I’m not unhappy with Franson’s play, but I’m also seeing how few minute he plays and an absence of production, including shots and set-ups when on the man-advantage.
VP of the Coalition to Bench Arnott
To a point, every position in the playoffs is a critical one. What if Franson or Grebeshkov coughed a drop pass which led to a Hawks SH breakaway? Even the smallest details become important at this stage.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 21, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Klein
Are you kidding me? There is no question in my mind. Kevin Klein is Rinne’s worst enemy. He has so many give aways and is without the worst D-man on our team. While it is very arguable that Franson is the third best (behind Suter and Weber). Franson brings a long reach and has played very well Defensively. He also has a great +/- to supprt this. While Klein on the other hand has bombed all year in this area. Franson is also a great point man on the PP, which we need badly. Our special teams has been our worst area of play. I am sure that no one will argue with that. I have said all year before Grebeshkov came into the fold, that we should send Klein back down and bring up Sulzer. The only down point is the experience. But listen guys, I really dont believe Klein is ready either. I have been at every game this season at home and watched the majority on the road. And I continuously find myself cussng at Klein. He is not a worthy NHLer. NO WAY NO HOW should he be here right now. Maybe later. And I agree that he has improved his game a little since the start of the season. But yes, he was that bad. He still is no where near a Franson. I would freaking piss my pants with excitement if they sent his butt down and brought Grebby back! It would be the best move, period! I am glad that this blog was posted. And again I have said it all year. If you follow the Preds at all, this shouldnt even be an issue. Franson vs Klein? If it was a 5 yr old kick ball game and we were picking, Klein’s rear would be the fat kid with no skills that was the last to be picked. For all you Klein lovers out there….you can bite me. He sucks without question. He brings this team down almost each and every game. His “every once in a while” great moment,in no way overshadows the give aways that he has given the other teams.
I think that one of the big issues was that the Preds were expecting Klein to be that “defensive-minded” type player that would add a little grit here and there. While losing Zanon (who was very under-rated, yet very valuable to our team) last season, I think they felt that Klein would play his part. Klein hasnt came through in this area, this season. Bouillon on the other hand has in a small way. While e are very deep at the blue line, I feel like we have trouble from Hamhuis and Klein at times. Hamhuis has improved his game considerably. Our future is with Franson and Sulzer. Not Klein. Franson is good to go now, without question. This is my opinion. For what it s worth and with all that said…….send Klein down, and keep Franson and Grebby.
So who have been the 6 playing if not Grebeshkov? And why give up a 2 for a guy that you don’t see playing in your top 6? Has he been underperforming?
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
Weber, Suter, Hamhuis, Klein, Bouillon, Franson. Grebeshkov needed emergency surgery on the nether regions in early March. Was good when he did play, though.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 21, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah I vaguely remember that. That’s rough. How long ago was he medically cleared?
I don’t think there’s an immediate need to throw him in right now, so they may as well not. Let him heal, I’m sure he could still heal more, and practice with whichever guys are healthy enough to practice. If the series goes 2-2 then look at what’s gone wrong. I wouldn’t hesitate to use him but I wouldn’t force him in either.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
He was cleared before Game 1.
Thats kind of my thinking, as well. No need to mix it up when we thoroughly dominated in most aspects. The only thing is Franson is getting 6 or 7 minutes a night, almost all on the power play- I think Grebeshkov could do that, but better.
Anyway, like you say, talk to me when we lose again.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 21, 2010 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
the way I see it...
we picked up Grebby for a reason, and that reason is here — the playoff run.
I like Cody, and often believe in the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality, but we won last night without Hornqvist, and it was more convincing than the Game 1 victory, too… so should we scratch Horny even when he’s ready to play, just because we can without him? Of course not.
Grebby hasn’t had a ton of games with the boys, but the ones he did have were solid (2 pts in what, ~3.5 gms?), although it seems like he did take a few penalties…
Franson has been decent, but not producing and not totally “trustworthy,” as you put it. I’d like to see #37 back in there at our barn tomorrow. PP needs a spark and he could be it.
Keep the D
The Hawks have awesome talent up front but the Predators have gone straight up with them 5-on-5 thanks to the D. Unless discipline goes completely awry and everybody goes to the box, as they did in Game 2, I’m inclined to keep to keep the same six on the blue line. Even Klein. All year I’ve cringed every time he has come near the puck. Then last night he goes and throws that perfect bank-shot pass to Sully for Leggy’s breakaway goal….
by Hockey Hillbilly on Apr 21, 2010 3:42 PM EDT reply actions
He’s been medically cleared and this morning’s Tennessean says that ’he’ll get his opportunity’.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 21, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
A plus
I think it will be a plus. Something for the Hawks to say “dang it” about. How much playoff experience, if any does he have? Get rid of Klein and let my Grandmaw play. He sucks.
Grebby and the Cube.
I think that particular pair would really elevate the Smash in Smashville.
NHL 10 for XBox 360 is like paying $60 for bipolar disorder...
Hey, thanks for the block quote, Chris
- it’s interesting to view my comment from last month and see what I think now (I just barely remember typing that).
- Klein was good last night, but nobody makes me as nervous as he does. I still think I would pick Franson if I had to choose between the two of them.
- Grebs, Do we put Grebs back in and take out either Franson or Klein?….. I think only Trotz could really answer that question… it’s possible that even Trotz can’t answer that question, and that’s why he hasn’t played. Grebs is a bit of a wildcard, here. My gut says “play him!”, but my brain says “stick with what has been working”
by hockeydekefreak on Apr 21, 2010 5:17 PM EDT reply actions
No problem. Was good insight, and provided a different take.
Sounds like we’re pretty much all in agreement here. If something goes wrong in Game 4, you consider it for G5, but right now everything’s clicking. No need to screw around.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 21, 2010 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Grebs & Horny
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Grebs sit the whole series since the guys playing right now have got pretty good chemistry, with the exception of the occasional turnover.
I also don’t think we’ll see any Patrick Hornqvist until we’re in the next round or facing elimination.
Looks like Legwand, Sully, and Dumont are being called on to carry this round.
I think you may be right on this one...
….but, without knowing what’s going to happen in game 4 and 5, it is really, really hard to say for sure. Win game 4…no doubt that you shouldn’t go tinkering with the lineup. Lose game 4 or 5, maybe we see Grebs and/or Horn-dog come in….time will truly tell….. My best guess is that we get it done without them this round.
by hockeydekefreak on Apr 21, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Horny
If Horny is ready…he will be back. You cant keep your top scorer out of the game. Wether we do well or not, we need him in the crease. Kudos to Joel Ward for filling in there. Still not Horny, but Ward is playing well right now. He is looking like his old self from the end of last season.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Why mess with good defensive pairings??? Franson’s lack of ice time is more likely due to the defensive pairings in front of him being required to play against the top Chicago lines. I’m okay with Trotz’s decisions and the scores are revealing that he knows how to put his players in situations where they can compete and win.
Pic above
You gotta love Jeff Fisher (Coach of the Titans) in the background, explaining what just happened to his wife.
I wondered if that was him!
More fun than a stick to the face!
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