Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
I’m beginning to believe the only reason it “worked” is because he put Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk together - the best line in all of hockey. It was so good, that 2 of the 3 bailed on the organization.
Sutter is not running a meritocracy this season. Lucic went from the press box to the “top” line. Sutter really isn’t doing anything this year. He rolls 4 lines endlessly, even when the situation desperately requires something else.
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The 5v5 splits last year kind of prove that out.
With any of Tkachuk-Lindholm-Gaudreau on the ice: 105 GF / 44 GA
When those three weren't on the ice: 91 GF / 95 GA
And even then that top line was a bit lucky because they shot like 13% on ice and out performed xG by 30 goals.
This team wasnt great last year when those three werent on the ice either, and were propped up a bit by that line's shooting percentage.
Sometimes its forgotten too but there were very similar complaints last year about Sutter's line combos on all lines except for the top line.
Backlund on the wing, Monahan with Lucic and Lewis, Richardson, Lucic, Pitlick and Lewis all in the lineup. It was only when 88-11-20 were put together that we had two lines clicking at least.