After playing the entire preseason together, Tom Renney has decided to split up Henrik Zetterberg, Sidney Crosby, and Jarome Iginla. Zetterberg will be leaving the top line LW spot for either Jere Lehtinen or Chris Higgins.
Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown, who thrived with Zetteberg last year will be reunited to start the 2008/09 season. Renney commented about the line, "It's really got everything you could ask for in a 1st line let alone a 2nd line; I believe it's by far the most talented and well rounded 2nd line in the league."
Kopitar, who could be mistaken as as savvy veteran already, is one of the most intelligent hockey players in the game. "He's very responsible on the defensive end, and really just knows the game well; it also help when you've got superstar talent to boot" Iginla said. Kopitar reads the play extremely well and is an incredible passer. With over 20 goals as a rookie, he knows how to find the back of the net as well.
Dustin Brown compliments Zetterberg and Kopitar about as well as peanut butter compliments jelly. Brown, who led the league in hits, bring a fiery, gritty touch to the line. However, it would be quite a stretch to consider Brown a grinder; with an over 60 point campaign last year you can consider Brown as one of the elite power forwards in the entire league. Brown flat out wears down the other line. He also adds a pesty presence in front of the net on the power play.
Renney has very high expectations for the 2nd line heading into the season, "If they combined for less than 230 points together, I think they'd be disappointed; we (and they) certain expect to outscore most 1st lines" Renney proclaimed.
One thing is for certain, life is good in Buffalo.
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"With Sid on your team, anything is possible" - Mario lemieux
Heatley takes the PPG, but Zetterberg knows how to forecheck and play D. Shear value wise heater is tops but for a 1 year snapshot of a line, I think zetter takes it.
lets look at the 2nd Star: Kopitar 81 Gomez 77 JP Dumont 78
All pretty close; I give the edge to Kopitar =D
3rd star: Brown 81 Hemsky 78 Frolov 79
Now I know the majority of Browns rating is Strength and INT but the kid had a great year. Even with average ratings in taht he's sitting around 78/79.
I think just the way each of the players have different strength makes the Buffalo line the best:D but we shall see.
All Rebuttals are welcome.
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"With Sid on your team, anything is possible" - Mario lemieux
top line of Cole-Savard-Kovalchuk has Sc-PA-and sthen IT-ST in cole.. Chara (freak) and zubov 88pc 81 pa 81df make the top line in the brhl2 imo aswell.. MY GOALIE IS HUGGGGEE ?????????????????????????????????????????????????
