Reimagining the Top 9
1. Centre depth seems to be an issue. Backlund in an ideal world would be a fantastic #3.
2. Right after the playoffs Bill Peters talked about moving Lindholm to centre.
Which leads me to imagine the following lines.
Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk
Bennett-Monahan-Czarnik/Dube/Mangiapane
Dube/Mangiapane-Backlund-????
1. This puts Gaudreau with our two most skilled players who have some grit. It puts Gaudreau with our best power forward, our two best net crashers, two of our best forwards along the boards. IMO this line maximizes Gaudreau and puts two skilled players who have the grit and physicality that Gaudreau completely lacks.
2. This asks Monahan to be the man on his line and step up and lead. This might allow Monahan to stop deferring to Gaudreau and to round out his game. Gives a good offensive opportunity to whichever of Bennett, Mangiapane, Czarnik or Dube who make that line.
3. This slots Backlund in at 3rd line centre which allows Peters to have an elite two way checking line while still constructing two scoring lines
Problem? Can’t really fit Neal in
Thoughts? Bill Peters know what we have in Gaudreau-Monahan and Tkachuk-Backlund. It’s time to find some other combos that won’t be as easily neutralized in the playoffs
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