I like what Roof-Daddy is saying regarding pairs and based on comments from Peters I can see him approaching lines that way as he has said he likes to structure lines based on duos. Also said he likes a team to have 2 scoring lines, a defensive line, and an energy line that is responsible defensively and chips in offensively. With that known...
1st Scoring Line
Gaudreau - Monahan - Neal
This is Johnny and Mony's line. Neal seems to be the best fit to fill it out but I imagine we'll see a couple different players tried in that position.
2nd scoring line
Tkachuk - Lindholm - Czarnik
This is really Tkachuks line, and I think the centre and RW spots can be filled by a large number of players on the current roster, it just remains to be seen who fits where, and who can fit in best as his "duo partner". I think Lindholm at C is a great first look. I just want Tkachuk anchoring a 2nd scoring line as he can definitely drive his own line, and getting an effective and productive 2nd line going will be huge for the team.
Defensive Line
Bennett - Backlund - Frolik
Our shutdown line. Bennett has his best season here, but it is Backs and Froliks line. Bennett can move up and down the lineup as needed and many other players, other than Tkachuk, can fill that LW role.
Mangiapane - Ryan - Jankowski
A responsible two-way line that should be able to drive a good amount of offense. See if the duo of Mangiapane and Janko can reignite the chemistry from the AHL, and Ryan and Janko can share faceoff duties. Hardest line to have a duo for as you want to move people up the lineup as needed, and keep spots open for the Foo's, Dube's, Brouwer's (lulz) of the team as they earn their spots.
|