I am interested to see how Leivo does on the Backlund line IF Dube isn't back by the next game (or if Leivo is just going to be a mainstay there regardless).
I have seen good flashes of him offensively (but without much luck), but just as interestingly I have seen both really savvy defensive abilities, and outright horrendous defensive zone awareness. I haven't said much either way since he hasn't played much in a year and is probably still working on his timing, adjusting to new teammates, and getting his 'legs' under him still.
Backlund has a knack for working well with almost anyone and making them look great, and being able to shut-down opposing lines regardless of who the wingers are (it seems anyway - not sure the analytics would necessarily support that).
I bet Leivo on Backlund's line would probably work out.
I also didn't think that Lindholm as a 2-way centre would work out. Last year when Ward forced Backlund to the wing and replaced him with Lindholm, I thought that not only was that line not as strong defensively, but a lot of Lindholm's offence dried-up. Now he is playing a very strong and reliable 2-way game. It leaves Backlund's line more flexible for shut-down match-ups, to also continue providing reliable depth scoring, but now also making it easier to be a safe landing-pad for rookies breaking into the NHL as well as a guy like Leivo who is trying to work his way back.
This is going to be a special season.
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