Hockeybird.com: Flawed: Lindros and Carter

Posturing about why a line doesn't work before a season
has even begun reeks of self-indulgent troublemaking.

And, overall, I'm excited about the season, the team, and
what seems to be a genuine commitment to an on-ice system.

But when Rocha gave Anson Carter an A- for the Blue Jackets
game, it prompted me to point out a major flaw in the
Lindros-Rucinsky-Carter line.

For those who saw the game, you saw Lindros at his best.
A veritable bull in a china shop who broke only the vases
that he selected to break (namely Tyler Wright).

He was rambunctious, physically dominant and went into traffic
around the Columbus net. All qualities that will quickly elevate
his game to a level only one step below elite status.

But problems were masked by a game that was against a Columbus
team with previous few NHL players, let alone players with
the size to battle Eric.

Tyler Wright? C'mon ... Donald Brashear, Scott Stevens, Derian
Hatcher, and Brendan Witt are more relevant adversaries.

Rucinsky was exactly as advertised - a player whose speed kept
him one step ahead of the play, and who took the responsibility
of carrying the puck through the neutral zone.

But Carter, though his play was not disappointing in itself,
didn't bring the two qualities that one would want for Lindros'
linemate.

One, he didn't come to Lindros' aid during the scrums. And while
it's true Eric handled himself just fine, he needs someone with
a mentality of riding shotgun to a franchise player. Matt Barnaby
did a stellar job of that last season.

Two, he didn't create havoc in front of the net. I didn't see
a defender have problems keeping Carter away from the front of
the net; he could be contained cleanly by one defender, which
meant that others could focus on Lindros.

I don't think it's a coincidence that Sather said he may shuffle
the lines with Lundmark going to Lindros' line and Carter going
to Holik's line.

Carter's solid play may well be more conducive to Holik's role
of checking line with offensive capabilities.

But it's seems unlikely that Lundmark, who shied away from contact
during the Blue Jacket game, would be the necessary match for
Lindros and Rucinsky.

And, before we forget, Lindros has had success with a line with
only skilled players (think Fly line and Rucinsky-Bure), but
those successes proved short lived once teams played them physical.

And perhaps the concern about Lindros will be neutralized by the
Kovalev-Nedved-Hlavac line, which will also require attention
from the opposition's top defensemen and forwards.

But the tests will come quickly during the regular season, when
opponents take exception to Lindros' swashbuckling style. And
we'll then see how Carter answers the bell.

But if Sather does switch Lundmark and Carter, then it could mark
a signal that he feels more tinkering is necessary.

And with a number of highly paid players available, Sather will
have plenty of options.

Good stuff Gabe and your points about Carter are very much true.

To me the problem with Carter isn't that he is a bad player but he is typical of many of Slat's trades, a move that was made without taking into account how the player would fit in.

Carter is at his best when he is playing with a playmaker on his line something the Rangers really don't have. He is not a self creator for his offense, he really isn't the protype power forward since he really isn't a banger either. Using him on a checking line might not be a good idea either since his checking skills are suspect.

Carter's best use for the Rangers is going to be as tradebait since really he is a player who really doesn't fit in with the current roster so using him to help bring in say a true solid number 2 defensemen would be the best use of his talents.

Carter isn't a bad guy he just simply isn't going to fit in with the Rangers for things that aren't his fault.

Posted by: Jess on September 28, 2003 08:51 PM