Quote:
Originally Posted by BigErnSalute_16
This was all I needed to see to be on board with starting Bennett as top line centre in game one just to see what happens. Reevaluate half way through the game and change if you need to, but There's something about the energy he will bring right from the start that I think will be beneficial to Gaudreau.
Here's my thoughts for game one starting lineup:
Gaudreau - Bennett - Lindholm (let lindholm take half the draws)
Tkachuk - Monahan - Mangiapane (See if Monny is more engaged away from JG)
Lucic - Backlund - Ryan (shutdown line with strong side draws from MB and DR)
Dube - Jankowski - X (whoever impresses most in camp fills in, hopefully Czarnik)
I think that has potential to be dangerous and if they give that last spot to Czarnik I think that gives the fourth line enough speed and skill to chip in as well.
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Why does everyone keep discounting the Tkachuk - Lindholm - Managiapane line? That line looks to be flying under the radar, don't be surprised if you see those three together again, especially if Gaudreau and Monahan are struggling again.
I do agree that Bennett deserves some more ice time with quality players, but with the big break you just don't know what is going to happen.
This is what I'd have to start off with in the top 12:
Tkachuk - Lindholm - Mangiapane
Gaudreau - Monahan - Bennett/Ryan
Lucic - Backlund - Ryan/Bennett
Dube - Jankowski - Czarnik
So basically, the top 6 switched around a bit. If Bennett falters I would put in Backlund in the top 6 and put Lindholm back at RW with Monahan and Gaudreau. And maybe Lucic and Ryan paired back up together. We need Backlund and Lindholm on different lines because they're our top defensive forwards.