Speculation: Playoffs: Our Blueline

[LightningStrikes]

According to DC Randy Jones might already return by the end of this week. That would make 9 defensemen on the roster. How do you think Boucher will decide? The first pairing is a no-brainer, really, and Smaby seems like the odd man out but beyond that?

I'd probably go with:

Brewer - Lundin
Hedman - Clark
Ohlund - Jones
Kubina

MAB is too much of a liability defensively and his offensive upside doesn't compensate for that. Boucher doesn't seem to like Smaby so he's out, too.

But with Malone and Downie back, I'm not sure if 7 D is the way to go. So with 6 D, who's out?

[Felonious Python]

Boucher tends to reintegrate players back into the lineup by having them play fewer minutes their first game back. Once game 2 starts, they're expected to take on their full work load; so we'll see what Boucher/SFY decides after that.

It's also not necessary to limit yourself to 6 or 7 defensemen for the playoff run. Boucher's been bouncing between the two with success during the course of the season, so I'd figure it should continue to work in the playoffs.

Matchup wise, a lot depends on Crosby's status of course.

Smaby is and probably will continue to be, the odd man out, but we're also at 23/23 players when at full health, so no one would necessarily have to be demoted.