[CsInMyBlood]

Sad thing is I think we were playing our best hockey in awhile in the second period. Every line was having success in the Canucks zone. They couldnt get it out at their blue line multiple times. We score and then get 2 quick ones pumped into our net.

I have to agree with others that the Lindholm at center is throwing our lines into disarray everywhere, including on that line.

I dont think it's hard to tell that Matthew Tkachuk is missing Backlund in many ways. You have to remember Backlund has been his center since he came into the league. It's obvious his no look plays would have been right to where Backlund goes. Backlund also allows Tkachuk to stay down low where he is best, then covers if the puck is turned over. It's like Matthew now has to think where in the past he just played.

Ward put Tkachuk-Backlund-Nordstrom together and they had 2 shifts where I thought the 3M was out there. Of course that didnt last. We all know this is where Mangiapaine should also be. We know this line clicks and flows. Can play against the top lines of the other teams and still be effective on offense.

In one game Ritchie looked better than Leivo/Bennett/Simon ever did on the Gaudreau line. Which is low bar for sure. That's just not sustainable for them. Lindholm should be back on that line. Gives us a potent threat of offense with Elias as added defensive presence. I bet they wouldnt get hemmed in their zone as much.

Leaves Lucic-Bennett-Dube as our 3rd. Weve seen it be effective.

I know I'm not saying anything new. I'm not on the fire the coach narrative bandwagon but it does seem to me the coaching staff is holding onto "their" big smart original coaching decision to play Lindholm at center even though it is stunting our lineup throughout.

Lindholm at center has worked, especially in the beginning of the season but too many times that line has been basically invisible. Which is a big problem because we need to be able to lean on Tkachuk and Lindholm for offense.

TLDR: I'm convinced it's time to end the Lindholm at center experiment. If you're just going to blend the lines like you have, why not change it up to what has been proven effective in the past.