The Shutdown Line

[AtLossForWords]

I think our line of Pyatt, Kesler, and Isbister is shaping up to be quite a nice success story for our club this year.

Kesler has done an excellent job of getting under his opposition's skin and we're all aware of that. However we may not so easily see the excellence that Brad Isbister has brough to this team's game.

Kesler, Pyatt, and Isbister are a big and fast shutdown line. These three guys can hit, skate, and dominate posession of the puck along the boards. Before long, we may even see some of the long shifts this line can put togethor in the offensive zone into goals.

I thought one of the weaknesses of this team last year up against the Ducks was that incredible shutdown line of Niedermayer, Pahlsson, and Moen wasn't matched anywhere on our roster.

With this great shutdown line we have now, I think we'll start seeing coaches going crazy over the matchups allowing the Snazzy line to run wild where they want to in an effort to their top scorers away from our shutdown line.

Vigneault is proving how he is a good coach by getting the matchups he wants not only at home, but on the road.

[TimmyTabasco]

Yeah, its been a solid line

I think alot of the success should go to Kesler. He has really improved his game, and it looks like he has finally broken out

Also, Pyatt is playing a different role..so alot of credit has to also go to him

Isbister has been playing well, but I'm still not 100 percent sold on him

[rustybadcock]

I agree, this line has been excellent and is a necessary tool to becoming a champion team. I said it at seasons start, Isbister's going to find a home here. He's played good hockey for this team whether gordo likes it or not ;) :D . He has an excellent shot which I'd like to see him use a little more. All three of these guys can really shoot, use it! this line could become the best shut down line in the game and if they can capitalize on the transition...they'd be deadly on the score sheet.

One of their biggest attributes is their size. This is a huge line really and I think that's what has helped take Kelser over the top. He's no longer the biggest guy on the line. Earlier he was always with the Burrows's and Cooke's. Now he's with two beasts who are bigger than he! This does a lot for the proverbial "ball size" I am always preaching about. He knows now he can take his game a little further and wont be left holding the bag alone if someone should take exception to his style of play.

RB