Quote:
Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache
They are really forcing a few things here.
I would like to see the Flames go back to last year’s top line. Looking at the assets they have available, they stubbornly and steadfastly insist on doing certain things that aren’t working.
You know who isn’t a winger? Backlund.
You need a RHS on wing? Lindholm. (And he can chip in defensively like Hossa used to do, without forcing him into the C slot)
That wasn’t just a good line, it was one of the top lines in the league.
You know who isn’t a top 6 winger yet? Mangiapane
I’d like to see Bennett get a chunk of games with top 6 linemates.
Lucic isn’t as bad as people make him out to be and it seemed when Ward played him with Johnny, the Flames has some different looks
I have trouble with how listless the team is. I do wonder if Ward is the guy who can break them out of it
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Lindholm is maybe the best top line RW option production wise, and like you say he's good defensively. However, centering Tkachuk is probably a better use of his talents. They tried Backlund as a replacement because he is also good defensively, drives from the wing a lot anyway. But he seems to have lost his offensive touch, and moreover, has trouble staying out of Monahan's way. So Ryan, as a defensive minded, right shooting guy who can take right side draws like Lindholm is a decent idea. I wouldn't put a lot of stock in the fact that Ryan is drawn up as C and Monahan as RW - I think they will line up based on which ever side they are on. Ryan will play as the C generally in the defensive zone I suspect. Offensively the will probably just go to open ice.
The only issue for me is whether Ryan will do OK with the extra minutes and heavier checking. This isn't a bad game to do that evaluation.