Quote:
Originally Posted by Toonage
Fine, meaning I would be comfortable with them on the ice in a shutdown role.
Creamed, as in opposing coaches could put larger lines out against them, control matchups so they wouldn't have the opportunity to stifle offense.
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Well, that would be quite the change for a team that always seems to do well on the road, only to follow it up by stinking it up during the home games. Also, that does not at all strike me as a line that would have trouble with a tough match-up.
When has a line centered by Backlund ever had a difficult time with tough match-ups? I don't remember so I am actually curious. Ryan has always seemed defensively responsible and Mangiapane won't quit chasing the puck.
I think they could be a really good line...even with the odds stacked against them. I'm not sure it would be my first choice for a line, but I also think they would be one of the lines that fans wouldn't need to worry about during away games.