lineups have varied a lot during preseason, I don't believe we've seen the true identity of this team
And it sounds like they'll continue to be the bubble guys playing.
I'm a little concerned that the top lines aren't going to get a chance to gel in game situations until opening night, but we'll have to see what the lineups actually are the next few games to find out.
I'd love to see the opening night roster (or something very close to it) iced against the Senators on sunday.
And it sounds like they'll continue to be the bubble guys playing.
I'm a little concerned that the top lines aren't going to get a chance to gel in game situations until opening night, but we'll have to see what the lineups actually are the next few games to find out.
I'd love to see the opening night roster (or something very close to it) iced against the Senators on sunday.
Are not complete "top" lines (except Backstrom) being held back ... it's not like there are two revolving doors on each line.
The Sens are not sending anyone of note on Sunday, they plan on holding back most of their regulars - not sure how that impacts any decision made by the Caps.
given the number of forwards trying to earn roster spots, I wouldn't be surprised if you don't see the final line combinations until the last preseason game or just on opening night...
there are 12 or 13 (1 on the pine) spots available and OV, Nyls, Semin, Kov, NB, Clark, Petty, Gordon, and Brash are the only real solid definates.
that leaves Flash, Suts, Laich, Bradley, Steckel, Clymer, Klepis, Bourque, and Motzko (sp?) battling for 3 spots...
Personally I think Flash has the #1RW spot for the start of the season...
and then Laich, Suts, and Steckel have the other 3 (1 is pine)...
It wouldn't surprise me if the Caps used eight defensemen, dressing seven for each game, for the first few weeks of the season --- thereby making the number crunch among the forwards even more, erm, crunchier.
