MY thoughts

[seahawk]

I didn't have a hard time reading it, but I am also older than 30 and have an attention span longer than a sentence.

One of the main problems on these boards are those who nit-pick at spelling or grammar errors.

[dogbert]

seahawk said:

One of the main problems on these boards are those who nit-pick at spelling or grammar errors.

That's not nearly as bad as the 12 mistakes per sentence some posters spew out.

There are pros and cons to all the arguments. Why use a 20 spot for a bench warmer? Why spend $10k for a third liner? I think you'll agree it comes down to your expectations of winning and your other options. This is not a 'go-for-it' year where you give up major assets for a chance at a championship. However, this is a year where winning is very important for the franchise. Not only are fans starved for victories, but next season promises a possible run for the Cup! Success this season can add lots of confidence to next year's returnees.

This makes it easy to see that Fullerton is valuable. He can be counted on for carrying the load if necessary, especially in the playoffs, and he has the experience to pass on to the heir apparent, especially on what not to do. Though I still ask why keep Passingham around.

Other 20's need to be strong. If they are no better or only marginally better than the youn-uns, it's better to develop the kids for next season. We have lots of young depth that needs developing. If they are standouts, keep them for success this year.

One thing is true, no matter how much you follow the team, you are an outsider looking in. Your insight is no more valuable than mine or anyone else's.

[reddogbluedog]

I have been watching as well and it was nice to see JB give some kids a chance and they came through against Lewiston. Then there was the article about Thomas going to benefit from the two 20's being sent packing. If history holds true Thomas will get no extra time and in fact I bet he ends up on the fourth line Tursday night. So much for playing well and penalty killing. If JB's favorites don't get the press he seems to react. I might be off base here but I would bet that one of JB's new favorites finds his way onto the third line Thursday and Thomas is back to line 4. Not that it will make much difference he only plays two lines anyway.

[Judas In My Mind]

Umm...what? Since the arrival of Picard-Hooper that third line (of Kirkpatrick, Stoddard(or Anthony), and K. Charland) has been seeing about the right amount of minutes for a third line, IMO. Don't know how you could say JB plays only 2 lines. We don't use the fourth much on most nights, so you could argue that I suppose, although some games the fourth gets out there a fair bit.

JB plays three lines you could say, but 2 lines split the third line icetime, often very inevenly. How much you use the fourth line depends on the style of game being played.

[bjindaho]

We don't use the fourth because Gallant is often off serving a penalty/suspension. Honestly, that has cut their ice time more than anything, because Gallant-Thomas-insert honorary bash-brother here have made for some tough times for opponents with their energy. They aren't overly offensive but they've hit everybody, and held the puck well.

And honestly, I think Dido has had less than 10 third period shifts in the two wins. He just isn't playing, partially because JB respects his opponents and tries not to run up the score.

[juliansteed]

Welcome to the board. I'm pretty much a rookie myself.

I'm not going to get involved in the whole debate on whether or not we should have kept Fullerton because its been done and there have been many good points made for either side of the debate. But there's one argument I've read once or twice in this thread as well as others that doesn't really make sence to me anymore. The argument I'm talking about is "wasting a 20 spot on a back-up goalie". This argument made sence when we had 4 20s and even when we had 3, but now we are down to 2 for the time being. Knox and Charland weren't mere victims of a numbers game or at least 1 of them would still be here. Unless JB has not 1 but 2 more 20s in mind who play forward Fullerton is not wasting a 20 year old spot.

Please dont confuse what I'm saying as an argument against the fact that Mayer needs to get lots of starts to gain experience. That is something entirely different and I agree with that. And that's why I say that for the present time there is nothing wrong with having Fullerton as a back-up or 50/50 split until Christmas. But no, there is no point in having a 20 start most of the games in a non-contending year and have an 18 year-old (supposedly)elite goalie sit on the bench.

[reddogbluedog]

Dido was on the second line against Lewiston because of stupid penalties against CB. There is no worry about the Sea Dogs running up the score that is a joke. Watch against Moncton and see what happens.

[elementz]

lol Moncton

[dogbert]

reddogbluedog said:

There is no worry about the Sea Dogs running up the score that is a joke.

I fail to see what's funny. What is running up a score - 6, 8, 10?

reddogbluedog said:

Watch against Moncton and see what happens.

I think if JB was to run a score up on anyone it would be Moncton. But you are right, the bash brothers will be getting so much ice time crushing their sorry, pink monkey butts into the boards that the scorers won't get many chances.

[brec7]

As an outsider I don't think there's anything wrong with how this situation is being handled in Saint John. What you have is a European who's full of potential and has credentials on the world stage, and a 20 year old who's proven to be a capable goalie in this league but has never proven he can start on a successful team.

Many will say that because there is a limit on 20 year olds, and a limit on Europeans, that putting either of these types of players in a position where they are not playing regularly is dumb. I don't really agree with that in this case because I don't think there is an established starter in Saint John. Also, as pointed out, this isn't "THE year" for the Sea Dogs so there's filling those spots with the highest quality players isn't essential.

I would guess that the Dogs intend of having Fullerton & Mayer split the first half of the season more or less equally. They know that Fullerton can be adequate, so he's there if Mayer falters. Mayer is there for the future. If he proves that he can take the starting reigns now, that's when you'll likely see Fullerton released. (I would say traded but let's be honest, there will be no market for him.)

I also find the Passingham situation puzzling though. If Fullerton is released, I still think the Dogs would want to have an older goalie to be Mayer's backup. Given that it doesn't make sense for Passingham to be anything but a #3 this year, he'd be better off being affiliated and developing in Jr. A. That being said, that might happen soon- it's possible that the Dogs were only keeping him because they figured they could have Fullerton not on the bench if they ever wanted to us Knox, Charland, and Picard.

[Judas In My Mind]

Yeah brec7 you are right. In the current situation as things are now that most of the dust has seemingly settled, we need to keep both Fullerton and Mayer. I agree.

IMO the error was when we chose Mayer in the draft. After doing that we should have in turn went out and got a proven non-20 to compliment Mayer. Then the slot Fullerton has is available, and maybe they pursue some other 20's a little more vigorously to address other needs, like offense.

[brec7]

But choosing Mayer in the draft may have been the best opportunity to land the goalie that can take you to the promise land. Management had to strike while the iron was hot and take the opportunity to land such a goalie. Having him split with another decent veteran goalie for the first half of his 17 year old season is probably the best move- it's actually what was done in CB with Fleury at 17.

[bjindaho]

Mayer's junior age is actually 18 I believe. Late 89.

[maritimer]

Is Fullerton the starter or the backup?

Nobody knows the answer including the coaching staff until we get further into the year.....what if Fullerton was dealt for a bag of pucks and Mayer turns into a bust? I believe he will be good but scouts have been wrong before....Matt Smith anyone?

[canucklehead]

maritimer said:

Is Fullerton the starter or the backup?

Nobody knows the answer including the coaching staff until we get further into the year.....what if Fullerton was dealt for a bag of pucks and Mayer turns into a bust? I believe he will be good but scouts have been wrong before....Matt Smith anyone?

I don't think anyone is the clear cut starter they'll likely split time til Christmas then Fullerton is likely to be dealt unless they can't deal him then he may stay with the team unless they find another 2 year old they are interested in of course.