Posted by  Brian Freid, tampa bay on 10/08  at  07:38 PM

if it was up to me, these would be the lines
Prospal- Lecavalier- St. Louis (you don’t mess with a good thing, period)

Artyukhin- Stamkos- Malone (a good energy line, get Stamkos excited to play)

Vrbata -Chris Gratton- Recchi

Hall - Jokinen- Roberts

i feel those are very balanced lines and could do a little of everything, but i’m not in charge what do i know…

Posted by  LightningDogg, Leesburg,FL on 10/08  at  05:17 PM

Good call Mike. I think at this early stage in Stamkos’ career, Recchi might work out better. But I love the way Arty plays. I was a fan of his the 1st go round. Especially at the end of the 05-06 season when he became more agressive and even got into a couple of scraps. He only has 1 year NHL experience, but with his size & speed he could be an Erik Cole type player for us, and down the road might create fireworks on a line with Stammer.

Posted by  Mike Joyce, Bangkok, Thailand on 10/08  at  04:43 PM

I also agree that they don’t need to tamper with the MVP line.  These guys can take care of business.  Gratton’s line did very well, so let’s not mess too much there.  The problem is the second line and, I agree, Vrbata seems to be the weak link.  If necessary, they can put Recchi or Arty there.  Both have speed and both have grit.  Recchi might be marginally better at the outset, but Arty might be better for the long term.

Posted by  LightningDogg, Leesburg,FL on 10/08  at  03:47 PM

I agree Vrbata has been a no-show in the 1st two games. I’m hoping Melrose saw something in him out in Phoenix while watching those 1200 games. I also hope Ryan Craig is okay. He has so much potential, it’s a shame he can’t catch a break on the injuries.

Posted by  dale, fl on 10/08  at  03:30 PM

That second line is a little scary, who’s going to look after Steven if they run with those lines, Prospal would but come on, haven’t seen much of Vrbata but I don’t think he can fill the role.  I hate all this tinkering with the lines.  MVP will be fine, leave them alone. Malone needs to be out with Stamkos, he can chip in some goals and look out for Steven, if Vrbata isn’t working out then replace him.

Posted by  Mike Joyce, Bangkok, Thailand on 10/08  at  03:13 PM

I agree about Recchi being on Stakos’ line.  He still has the wheels and has lots of grit.  I think that he would make a good match with Stamkos and Malone.

I also agree that Craig going of in pain isn’t good news.  Has he played a full season for the Bolts yet?

Posted by  LightningDogg, Leesburg,FL on 10/08  at  02:41 PM

Just a thought, but does anybody think maybe putting Stamkos with Recchi might have some results?? In case you aren’t aware, Recchi is 2nd in assists among all active players behind robo-center Joe Sakic . I’m thinking he might know how to move the puck to a scorer, whaddya think?

Posted by  Bill Berg, Blairsville, Ga on 10/08  at  11:45 AM

Craig leaving practice does not sound good and Ryan is very injury prone and may happen again this year. The team needs some time to jell, but ALL players need to be healthy and attend practices. Could there be another TRADE in the works! If new D man does
not show bring down Smaby!

Posted by  Jay, Jax on 10/08  at  11:36 AM

Was Ranger out there? Is he playing Saturday?