|
I still don't get breaking up 8 and 19. To me the chemistry they have together far outweighs any added danger to the second line if they're broken up. I would love to see Oates roll 3 scoring lines to help develop Johansson at center, but I think a likely lineup to start the season is this:
Ovy-Backstrom-Johansson
Laich-Ribeiro-Wolski
Chimera-Beagle/FA-Brouwer
Hendricks-MP85-Ward
Crabb
Alzner-Carlson
Hamrlik-Green
Schultz-Orlov(if ready, Hillen if not)
Poti, Kundratek
If Poti actually is a factor, thats a serious boost to the defense, but I honestly doubt it at this point. I think he may be able to be a decent bottom pairing guy, but as of right now its just too much of a wildcard to really be able to call it. Also, I expect to see Schultz in the opening night roster, and I wouldn't even be surprised if hes paired with Green and we see Hamrlik with Orlov. Beyond Alzer and Carlson, I think pairings are kind of a toss up.
As far as forwards go, I think unless Wolski really looks awful in camp, he probably gets the second line spot instead MP85, but that could easily change. If that happens im honestly not sure how I'd roll lines, because I really prefer to see Laich in a scoring roll on the wing than a checking one at C, but with the roster as is there may not end up being a truly viable way around as I think Johansson has a top 6 roll at wing locked down. You move up Brouwer if Laich does end up as 3C though.
|