[TheScorpion]

I certainly don't think Eakin is fast. But you're right, I unfairly lumped Rooney in there -- his boots are fine.

I just look at the Backlund line. It's a line that has consistently been used to usher young players into the league. That's more of a top-six calibre line than it is a bottom-six line, and it's going to be a formidable scoring unit this year. Both Backlund and Coleman are very skilled.

I don't see what you have to gain by putting a no-mistake low-event veteran on that line. Use the fourth line for that if you must, but Backlund and Coleman need someone who can create.

Also, you can't really give Gudbranson credit for being insulated by a great team.