Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
With Backlund back they have to make a change. I don't think Backlund is going to the fourth line.
So to me that line was going to break up if you want to leave Tkachuk with Lindholm and Monahan with Gaudreau.
The Bennett vs Simon argument is a fair one though.
Plus how often have we seen morning skate lines that don't end up being what they go with either off the hop, or early in the game?
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They have to make a change, doesn't excuse the completely ridiculous line combinations he put out there this morning though.
They could easily actually run with 4 strong lines though and it's not that hard to do from a TOI perspective either.
Tkachuk - Lindholm - Leivo: 12-13 minutes
Gaudreau - Monahan - Simon: 11-12 minutes
Mangiapane - Backlund - Nordstrom (I'd have somebody else here (Gawdin/Phillips) but coach isn't taking Nordstrom out of the lineup): 11-12 minutes
Lucic- Bennett - Dube : 10-11 minutes
And then if you end up down in the third and need to shorten the bench there is a super simple way to execute on that too.
Tkachuk-Backlund-Mangiapane
Gaudreau-Monahan-Lindholm
Lucic - Bennett - Dube
Simon/Leivo/Nordstrom sit.
Super easy way to start the game more balanced with more depth across all 4 lines, and then if you need to get a spark or get a goal you load up your top 6 with our 6 best forwards and go back to the lines from last years playoffs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
I don't like this any better, honestly. Nordstrom should not be playing anywhere but the fourth line.
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Honestly I agree and personally I would take him out of the lineup for one of Gawdin or Phillips. But the coach would never do that and I think he can fit on that line, he provides no offense but he's good below the goal line and on the cycle which is where that line excels.