[GranteedEV]

Anyways, I'm not sold on the first line for 5vs5

The Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler line has 27 Even Strength points together. Where they really excel is in the power play, where they've thrown up 29 points. So more than half their production is on the power play. Which makes them a beyond-fantastic power play unit, but also means there are some issues they have when space is at a premium.

Consider that The Bouma-Backlund-Jones lines has 18, plus Bouma-Backlund-Colborne line has 8. So the 2nd line has contributed 26 points even strength while the first line has contributed 27.

I think there's something inherently wrong with that when you consider the second line is playing the tougher competition as a checking line and it's certainly not as talented.

The issue I see is size. Hudler and Gaudreau are just not big enough for us to be forcing them together even strength. And Monahan isn't really the kind of player suited to digging pucks out of corners for them; just not his game.

By splitting the two small wingers up I think you'd help their individual games flourish in even strength. Then put them back together as the top powerplay unit where they are nothing short of unstoppable.