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Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
Actually, Backlund does really well head-to-head against McDavid if memory serves. There was an article somewhere exactly about this, and how Backlund's line turns the tables on McDavid's line. When Backlund isn't out against McDavid? McDavid destroys Monahan's line and the third line even worse.
At any rate, I predicted that tonight's game would feature Stewart back in. This is exactly the game you pencil him in for. He can beat up Lucic - at the very least stand toe-to-toe with him. I hope that he does this early in the first period and the Flames set the tone. I think when Edmonton got bigger and tougher, the Flames just play them poorly. Having Tkachuk out just makes this decision easier.
Oh, and Jankowski does NOT play soft. I am rather impressed with his belligerence after whistles, and after he got slew-footed. I didn't think he had that side to his game, but boy does he seem to have a bit of a temper. I think that will really serve him well in the long run.
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Thanks, I won't quibble because I don't have any data on Backlund v. McDavid. I'm sure can't argue that, when McDavid is out against the Monahan line he does really well. Monahan is average defensively, and not fast. Gaudreau is no help in the D zone and Ferland doesn't seem to anticipate well, or use his stick well in the D zone.
If it was me I'd shadow him through the neutral zone at least, and do a hard match especially on D against him. I'd assign Backlund's line against him, with Backs as the shadow, or maybe Bennett, but I'd also cover each additional line by making a player the shadow, in case they get stuck on the ice. I'd put Shore on him for the third line and Lazar on him on the fourth. On the top line, it's tougher but maybe you put Ferland on but also emphasize a hard forecheck.