[united]

Thought it was interesting that after their much-publicized struggles earlier in the season, lately the Tampa Bay Lightning have shifted Steven Stamkos back to winger duty, alongside Brayden Point and opposite Nikita Kucherov (Stamkos remains on faceoff duty but they switch as soon as safely possible afterward). Stamkos now has points in 9 of his last 10 games (14 total) and the Bolts are rolling with 15 points over that span.

I still would like to see Lindholm trialed between Gaudreau and Monahan for a few games at minimum, and preferably 10+, as he has become the best defensive forward on the team but is still able to keep up with them offensively - a terrific two-way centre.

While Mikael Backlund was expected by most to have a down year due to the standard first-year father dip, his fall has been dramatically worse than imagined. Luckily, Derek Ryan has quietly been very good this season so can easily assume second-line duties, with Backlund and Mark Jankowski filling out the bottom two.

At best it works and you have enhanced your knowledge of the team's dynamics. At worst it doesn't pan out and a crappy line remains crappy, but you have gained information for decision making.