Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
I am going to counter and say that the presence of a "deterrent" on the top line is completely secondary. Lindholm has been slotted with Gaudreau and Monahan by the coach in multiple interviews now, and I don't see any good reason to expect anything different once the season starts. More importantly than a deterrent (which didn't seem to be all that effective with Ferland on the top line, anyways) I believe Lindholm provides two crucial components to Gaudreau's and Monahan's game: 1) he carries the puck well and is a very good distributer, and 2) he is a high-end defensive player. The last time these two played with another skilled play maker they formed the most dominant line in hockey, and Gaudreau scored 30-goals. I think Lindholm makes the Flames top line practically defend-proof, but in turn he also frees Monahan up even more in the offensive zone in large part because he is so good at covering in his own zone.
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I do like Lindholm more on the top line than Neal because of his right shot and defensive responsibility, it would make it much more of a 200-foot line to use in all situations.
Neal with Backlund and Tkachuk would also be great, but not quite as much fun as Bennett between Neal and Tkachuk. That line would drive opponents absolutely batty and draw penalties at a record pace (Tkachuk is already a league leader in this, and the addition of top-notch meanness/sandpaper at every position on that line could only enhance that ability). Or if Janko centered Neal and Tkachuk, the Flames could reunite the Backlund/Bennett/Frolik line that was featured in Bennett's successful rookie season. Frankly, I still find it hard to believe that we will have that quality of player on our 3rd line!