Quote:
Originally Posted by jemjey
I don't think you break up a line as effective as the 3M line unless something goes awry. Plus Bennett will have Versteeg and Jagr  on his wings so the "playing with bums" excuse will be out the door. |
But Backlund and Frolik excel with anybody you put them with. It's not breaking something that works, it's reforging a great line (Backs) and a mediocre line (Bennett's) into two great lines. Not sure why people get hung up on splitting the line up. You can always put it back together if they truly excel only with each other. But Gulutzan wouldn't be doing his job if they didn't experiment with other combinations that could lead to greater overall offensive depth.
As I've said before why settle for two great lines because you're scared to discover other combinations that would lead to three great lines? It's not something to be scared of or hesitant about. They'll have all preseason and exhibition to find some combos with chemistry. I'd be pretty disappointed if they never tried Tkachuk-Bennett or Tkachuk-Jankowski.