[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Let's look at the same type of exercise for Mangiapane for example:

He's played pretty much nothing with Monahan, so we will leave that one out.

Mangiapane+Backlund:
TOI-440 Minutes
GF%: 58.1%
xGF: 53.02%
SH%: 9.88%
SV%: .914

So very similar GF% and expected GF% numbers to what Bennett put up on Backlund's wing.

Mangiapane+Ryan:
TOI: 380 Minutes
GF%: 73.5%
xGF%: 58.9%
SH%: 12.0%
SV%: .939

Not sure why these two were ever split up, just dominant together.

Mangiapane w/o Monahan,Ryan,Backlund
TOI: 438 Minutes
GF%: 43%
xGF%: 55.6%
SH%: 7.4%
SV%: .907

Once again similar results to Bennett. Where the xGF% remained strong but the Shooting and Save percentage drop off when playing with lesser linemates on the 4th line.

Honestly think the Flames don't seem to lose much between Mangiapane/Bennett with Backlund on the second line, but Ryan and Mangiapane have undeniable chemistry and dominate together.

IMO the Flames have three pairs of forwards that just work better together: Gaudreau+Monahan, Tkachuk+Backlund, Ryan+Mangiapane, and they should build the top 9 around those three pairings. Personally I'd like to see them start the playoffs with this top 9:

Gaudreau-Monahan-Lindholm
Tkachuk - Backlund - Bennett
Lucic - Ryan - Mangiapane
Dube - Jankowski - Gawdin

IMO Ryan is wasted as 4th line center and needs to remain in the top 9. Then you have Dube as a dark horse on line 4, and ready to step up in the lineup where needed. And honestly I'd like to see Gawdin or Phillips get a chance here too over a guy like Reider on the 4th line. Let's go with a younger 4th line, with three guys that have lots to prove coming out of this break. Gawdin had a great AHL season, and puts another sorely needed RH shot in the lineup as well.

I don’t mind this but I think I’d prefer Dube in the top 9 over Lucic.