Quote:
Originally Posted by activeStick
I'd assume that Neal has the second line spot locked down to start the year given his veteran status and his history of being a producer, despite last season.
Tkachuk, Backlund and Neal actually sounds like it'd be a good line, so we'll see if Neal can find his game with them. Pretty much everyone that's been tried up with Backlund has benefitted.
|
If Janko’s or Ryan’s line can handle the tough competition, or if we sacrifice production from the top line for tougher matchups. There’s no way Neal should face the same level of competition that Backlund’s line is used to.
There’s all this talk about getting a defensively responsible center to add to the depth. I think that’s why the conversion of Lindholm from winger back to center is intriguing. Allows Backlund’s line to take more of an offensive role, liberates Neal somewhat, and while it would almost definitely be a downgrade, many wingers can survive with Johnny and Monahan. Trying Bennett and Tkachuk on their off wings comes to mind.