Quote:
Originally Posted by BBQorMILDEW
Could someone please post the projected lineups going into playoffs?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackWallStreet
Anyone know what the lines will be?
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This is my take on it. Obviously, nothing has been officially decided yet by Ward and Co.
Reinhart-Granlund-Jones
Baertschi-Knight-Miller
Jooris-Street-Locke
Hanowski-Olson-Bancks
SOB-Smith
Breen-Billins
LaFranchise-Arsene
Ortio
Carr
Reinhart-Granlund-Jones were the hottest line for Abbotsford prior to the Granlund call-up and injury I believe Ward will put them back together.
Baertschi-Knight-Miller have had good chemistry the past few games. While Miller is not one of our prospects, he's done well feeding Baertschi and Knight and playing with them so I think Ward would leave him in to keep them hot. If Miller drops off, I think Street could move up to this line or perhaps Locke.
Jooris-Street-Locke. Jooris would be one of those players who Klimchuk could be subbed in for. He's been nothing special lately. Street is undeserving of a 3rd line role, but unless Miller is taken out, this is the only place I can see him going. I think this would be a good solid 3rd line made up of players who could play 2nd line but are being bumped out by some hot players. Our top two lines are absolutely deadly when they get going so we have good players making up a 3rd line.
Hanowski-Olson-Bancks...say it with me: "Truculence". This is a punishing 4th line. Olson has been playing great as of late, and again maybe not deserving of a 4th line role, but I think with the bodies we have back now this is where he falls. The kid is also dangerous shorthanded. Not what you expect from a 4th liner/grinder guy. Hanowski's first game back from the Flames might be one of his better all year. Bancks, he's a little plugger. He'll play rough if he has to. This is a 4th line that will punish the other team physically and if they get lose can score goals.
SOB-Smith has been the go to defensive pairing for Ward for awhile now. Don't expect any changes.
Breen-Billins is another go-to pairing for Ward.
LaFranchise-Arsene are our vets that we brought in for experience. Its plausible that Kulak and/or Davies might slot into the spot on occasion, but I think we run with a strong, experienced defence. This is the only pairing that I think might be tinkered with.
Ortio is our starter. There is no question. Carr will be a good backup though if we need it.
Other notes:
Jooris-Knight-Hanowski was a deadly line to start the season. The "Roomie Line". I would love to see them reunited as a gritty 2nd/3rd line.
I think guys like Klimchuk, Kulak, Poirier and Roy might earn in spots if someone goes on a slump or injured. I don't think Ward is going to use the new prospects and rookies unless he absolutely needs them or the team needs a swift kick to wake up. I believe most of them are there to be Black Aces and get the experience of the playoff run.
If things get rough, look for Gillies to draw in for a game or two. Gillies is pretty much our McGrattan. He was brought in to protect the kids. Outside of that, he has little use to the team.
