Comments for Earmarked for Success Part II at http://hockey.dobbersports.com , comment 1 to 8 out of 8 comments http://hockey.dobbersports.com Mon, 20 May 2013 10:53:46 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/amato/2116-earmarked-for-success-part-ii#comment-354 Jays, I'm thinking they're gonna run 4 O, 1 D on the power-plays... My initial thoughts are going to be Smyth-Brown-Kopitar-Frolov-Doughty on the first PP unit. And Stoll-Moller-Purcell-Williams-JJ on the second unit. If you look at the numbers from last year, Brown 3:40, Kopitar 3:50, Doughty 3:34, Frolov 3:23... Stoll 3:12, Moller 2:51, Purcell 2:47, Williams 2:44, JJ 1:52... So the power-play units are essentially going to be the same in terms of ice-time averages, but Handzus' 3:12 average from last year will essentially turn into Smyth's PP ice-time. As for Eriksson, IMO he's a top-six too, I've put him on the top-line of the Dallas unit, but what I will add is that his spot isn't as secure as say Brendan Morrow. Morrow would need to be hitting a massive slump in order for him to lose his top-six spot, where as with Eriksson his spot could be in jeopardy if 1) Brunnstrom starts the season on a tear (like 15 points in the first 10 games...), 2) if he happens to slump to start the season, or 3) he doesn't mesh well with Morrow, there's more job insecurity with Eriksson than with Morrow. If you are looking for a similar situation on another team, I think it could be comparable to Columbus, where Nash is pretty much immovable (like Morrow) and Huselius would be the equivalent of Eriksson, where he could feel some heat from third liners like Chimera/Torres. Chances are they won't get unseated, but hey you never know... - Ryan Ma Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:53:50 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/amato/2116-earmarked-for-success-part-ii#comment-353 Rick, Out of those three I think Smyth is probably the safest pick. Playing in front of the net with two shooters in Kopitar and Brown should yield plenty of garbage goals for him. - Ryan Ma Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:35:32 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/amato/2116-earmarked-for-success-part-ii#comment-352 RE: Purcell Yeah I wrote the article mid-last week when he wasn't signed and submitted it before Purcell was re-signed. I don't think it affects the top-six too much, Smyth-Kopitar-Brown, Frolov-Stoll-Williams seem pretty locked in the top-six, but if an injury were to happen Purcell might get a boost in value. - Ryan Ma Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:31:11 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/amato/2116-earmarked-for-success-part-ii#comment-349 How will Purcell and Moller get lots of 2nd PP time if they are in 6-9 spots? Teddy should get a top 6 after next year when Frolov leaves. IMO there's no way Loui E is not a top 6. - bluejays Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:54:59 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/amato/2116-earmarked-for-success-part-ii#comment-343 Note from the grammar cop - bolsters s/b boasts I think. Nice article Ryan - made me realize how invested I am in the teams you profiled today. Hemsky, Purcell, Gilbert, Moller, PMB, Ott, Hudler - yeesh. Additionally I have the 2nd OA pick in our waiver draft - Smyth, Gagner and Cogs are all available - do I dare venture even more investment? One gets weary of living in the land of promise after awhile. - Rick Wakeman Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:34:41 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/amato/2116-earmarked-for-success-part-ii#comment-342 Teddy was signed to a 1-yr, 1-way contract by LA. (No longer RFA as you have shown...) - tradejunkie Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:00:08 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/amato/2116-earmarked-for-success-part-ii#comment-340 Eriksson vs Neal I think both could be in danger if they both falter, they don't have the job security that Brendan Morrow has in Dallas. Personally I see Eriksson being a better fit in the top-six than Neal just because Eriksson takes less PIMs and is a bit more offensive. Neal I see more as a grittier player so he's better suited in a checking role than Eriksson would be. But another thing you have to consider is that Eriksson shot an amazing 20.2% last season, which is pretty much unsustainable for this season(Considering Ovechkin shot 10.6), so look for him to take a hit in that department. I think the general consensus out there is that it could go either way with Eriksson, it's around 50/50 where he could take another step forward or bottom out. I personally think that he bottoms out because of Brunnstrom nipping at his heels, and the fact that he won't be shooting 1 for 5 this season. As for Gagner I would say that hes 75% secure. Just looking at the depth chart there isn't really any glaring players that are capable of taking that second line center job away from him. Pouliot is a third line guy. Schremp could affect Gagner, but from what I've read/seen he doesn't have the skating ability to cope as a second liner. Eberle could surprise with a great camp. The thing with Gagner is that he had a terrible sophomore slump, most players who experience that slump usually bounces back with a solid third season. I say bare minimum he gets back into the 50 point range, but wouldn't be surprised if he got back into the 60s-65s. - Ryan Ma Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:36:44 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/amato/2116-earmarked-for-success-part-ii#comment-333 Hey Ryan... Just looking for some insight. I read what you stated about Dallas, but I was wondering whose spot is less secure, Eriksson or Neal? Do you think that Loui can build on what he did last year or is he just a flash in the pan? Also, how safe is Sam Gagner? and what do you think he will do fantasy-wise? Thanks again! - jason Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:10:08 +0100