WWYDW: Shotgun Jake
5 years ago
Jake Virtanen’s gotten off to a red-hot start this season, scoring 8 goals though his first 20 games, earning a spot on the team’s top line with Elias Pettersson. Unfortunately, Virtanen’s strong play on that line has coincided with a dip in Petersson’s production. One could argue the regression was inevitable, but it’s led to questions about whether or not Virtanen limit’s Petersson’s effectiveness and if he should remain on that line when Brock Boeser returns. I’ve suggested Bo Horvat might be a better fit in the long-term, but what do you think? Where would you play Virtanen in a healthy lineup?
Last week I asked: Who would you like to see Pettersson play with at even-strength?
CanuckFan4ever:
Swap Eriksson and Virtanen. Give Jake some top 6 time. He’s 3rd on our team in goals.
Goon:
When Boeser is back I think they have to go back to Goldobin / Pettersson / Boeser, at least for a few games. They were absolute dynamite in the short time they spent together.
If everyone’s healthy, Goldobin / Pettersson / Boeser and Baertschi / Horvat and either Eriksson or Virtanen, depending on how each has been playing, makes the most sense. You can swap Boeser and Eriksson between the top two lines if there’s a need to balance out the offence / two-way play, but for the time being I want to see as much Pettersson and Boeser together as possible.
Beer Can Boyd:
Well, they haven’t had too many games together, but 11 points against Colorado might suggest that Boeser and Goldobin worked out pretty well. Or, if you think that Boeser is better served with Horvat and Baertschi, then Eriksson is just fine there for now. Its going to be Dahlens gig at some point in the next 2 years anyway.
TD:
Pettersson and Boeser are obvious once Boeser is healthy. I’m not sold on Goldobin and wonder what Zack MacEwan would look like with them. They are our stars and the cross check to Boeser’s back and Pettersson’s abuse makes me think they could use some size and toughness with them. MacEwan has never been a big penalty minute guy and it may not work, but having some size in front of the net and on the forecheck would be nice to go with the skill of the other two. Goldobin certainly has not done much with them.
I would like to see Bo Goldy and Baer play together once Baer is back.
I have like Virtanen on the third line, he scores off the rush, not off of established o zone time. That doesn’t fit with the top two line, but looks great on the third line.
livininvic:
I think they have already nailed it with Pettersson, Boeser and Goldobin. The chemistry is fantastic, and this is future first line material. Goldy is the only question mark, but if he can dial it in offensively, we have a young, skilled FAST first line with a horse running the 2nd line. Dahlen or someone we haven’t signed/drafted yet is who Goldy needs to be worried about stealing his spot. Pettersson and Boeser should stick together long term regardless. This year, I like the combo they have.
For 2019/2020:
1st line
Goldobin (or Dahlen) / Pettersson / Boeser
Second Line
Baertschi / Horvat / Dahlen (or Goldobin)
1st line
Goldobin (or Dahlen) / Pettersson / Boeser
Second Line
Baertschi / Horvat / Dahlen (or Goldobin)
That’s some well balanced scoring, with extra punch on the top line with our two superstars. IMO
Kanuckhotep:
Let’s deal in the here and now. Get everyone back and let’s have: Petey/Brock/Goldy and Bo/Baertschi/Loui as top 2 lines. Green can mix his last two lines accordingly with Jake chipping in some O on a third line. Now I know Leipzig tries and Gaudette is a C but #88 is on a convincing mission to make this club and Benning has to make a decision on Leipzig vis-a-vis Gaudette, regardless of position IMHO. Would hate also to have Goldy end up the new Richard Park: wheels, hands and flash but no finish. But Park never played with an EP and Goldobin must seize the opportunity and now to succeed.
