Bass Destruction wrote:
The way I see it is you're right about us needing to play as a cohesive unit. I think the Olympics kind of messed that up, as did new additions to the team. I'm not saying additions were bad, just that it will take time for them to find the chemistry, and learn Clouston's system.
What I see as the problem with Fisher and Kovalev is actually Regin. I love Regin, even thought of changing my handle to one based on Regin, but i think that feature has been disabled. But that's neither here nor there. I say the problem is with Regin because I think Foligno fits better on that line. Regin plays well, and has good chemistry with Kovalev, but not at all with Fisher. Foligno on the other hand has good chemistry with both of them, and is a player that is big enough to fight and win battles along the boards in the offensive zone. Since Foligno's injury, our cycle has taken a big hit, and that was a system that produced a lot offense by tiring out the opposition's D.
I'm just hoping this game on Tuesday will be a game where we all come together again. I'm not worried yet. I'm getting there. Our team mentality is still there, and that shows fight and heart. They are making mistakes, but I trust those can be remedied. The time to be worried is coming, but not here yet. But that's my assessment.
I like your assessment on Regin, he's like Cullen, he'll gladly play the wing, but he's much more effective as a center IMO. Fisher needs Kovalev to survive, but they need that third player in there - and as of now it's not Regin. I would say that you're also right about Foligno, he can be a more effective LW on that line for sure. Or Michalek with Foligno going up with Alfredsson and Spezza.
Then the third line is still excellent with Cullen centering Regin and Shannon (sorry Regin, we need to do this to you right now), then obviously Neil, Kelly and Ruutu. HOWEVER, I'm completely open to any changes Clouston feels needed - don't worry Clouston, now's the time to get them in an offensive rhythm and then try to 'lock' the lines for the last 15 + playoffs.
I think the ball needs to be handed to Elliott (it will be) and the Sens need to stick to the game plan - although, this time, the game plan needs to be changes to a more aggressive offensive attack. Yes, we'll give up chances, but we have to trust Elliott. This is as much about Elliott helping our offense as anything else. We need to trust that he'll bail us out until we start to score and he needs to realize that we're doing it to try to get him some run support.
Needless to say, Tuesday's game is a BIG one.
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