I don't want a return to status quo. Status quo is first round outs. The best IMO is to spread out last year's top line:
Tough minutes line:
Tkachuk - Backlund - Lindholm
Both Lindholm and Backlund have chemistry with Tkachuk. Lindy can take draws on the right too.
Middle Six A
Mangiapane - Monahan - Simon/Leivo
Two great forecheckers feeding a sniper in the slot. Gives Monahan an impetus to carry the puck more as well.
Middle Six B
Gaudreau - Bennett - Dube
A good combination of speed, tenacity, skill, and toughness.
Fourth Line
Lucic/Leivo/Simon - Ryan - Phillips
The idea here is to recreate the success of the Mangiapane - Ryan - Hathaway from a couple years ago. Stop anchoring Ryan down with the Lucic-Nordstrom pair.
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"May those who accept their fate find happiness. May those who defy it find glory."
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