Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk look like a potential elite line in the making. The assistant coaches in post game interviews have been calling them an absolute force and etc. If they can become that elite line we’ve been after, then this team team just needs a quality second line to go along with the Backlund-Mangiapane pairing which has looked quite good most of the season. If this duo slots well on your third line, then the Flames should be all set to be very competitive.
I also think the Gio-Tanev pairing looks very formidable as a top pair. They tend to tilt the ice in their favor and can defend elite opposition. I like their transition game as well, very good vision and very good reads. Gio’s been playing 26-27 minutes a game and his play hasn’t skipped a beat.
With Darryl’s defensive system in place, I’d be very confident in this team winning a lot more games 2-1 and 3-1 if they can just build a quality a second line which I will say is no easy task though.
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