Buffs --
Back from Buffalo now. I return with horrible, horrible news on the B's offensive front.
Michael Ryder underwent surgery today for an orbital fracture he suffered against Ottawa last week. Ryder was clipped by a high stick.
Expect Ryder to miss anywhere between three weeks or a month. Maybe longer. All things considered, he should be back by the end of the season and in time for the B's playoff run.
Needless to say, the B's Brass have some crucial decisions to make. Do they call up a player from the Baby B's to fill some gaps? Or do they acquire another top-six forward via trade?
Tomorrow's game against San Jose should help Peter Chiarelli and crew asses the situation better.
Monday, February 9, 2009
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4 comments:
Thank god we have such a large lead on the conference. As long as Ryder is set to return for the playoffs, I don't see any need to make a panic move to substitute for him. Give Wheeler a bit more ice time, move some kid up from Providence (Sobotka I guess) and let's see what we can do to develop some scoring depth.
Tom and Buff...
What would you guys think of moving Bergeron up to the second line to fill in for Ryder? Could replace Bergeron with Nokelainen (giving him a chance with lower pressure) while letting Patrice play on an offensive line and find some of his game. Could also mean an improvement on faceoff percentage with Bergeron replacing Krejci.
I'd consider moving Bergeron up to the second-line wing. He actually played well as a winger when he returned from injury a couple of weeks ago.
Bergeron showed offensive improvement against the Flyers over the weekend. This might give him even more of a chance to "find his game."
As for who would replace him on the third line...I would try Nokelainen for a game. If it doesn't work out, maybe call up Sobotka and give him a shot.
I think I'd roll these lines:
Lucic-Savard-Kessel
Wheeler-Krecji-Bergeron
Axelsson-Yelle-Kobasew
Thornton-Nokelainen-Bitz
Calling up Sobotka wouldn't be a bad idea if someone slumps. I'd also consider moving Hunwick to a wing position, considering his struggles at the blue line lately.
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