Johansson - Backstrom - Ovechkin
2 good young swedes with great 2 way games and the bull.
I hope this really gets a chance to gel and i think theres some creative upside with Johansson and Ovi switching sides on rushes and confusing defenders.
I, like all of us probably, are hoping that Oates can find what is missing from Ovi's game to get him back up the top creating great offense and not being so predictable. Hes still an amazing player, but both him and Backstrom have been down for a while from when they were probably a top 3 1-2 punch in the league a few years ago.
This line should work well.
Wolski - Ribeiro - Laich
At first i was tossing up the idea of having Fehr or Perreault here instead of Laich but with Wolski not exactly tearing the world up of late and Ribeiro a bit on the small side, its probably more important that Laich plays here. Its not the most appealing second line. I think we are missing a sniper of sorts unless Wolski can really turn his career around. I am pretty doubtful.
Chimera - Beagle - Fehr
Big line. Good speed. Ward could be here and might be against potent top lines, but id like to see Fehr get a look here. My original line up had Fehr potentially on the second line with Laich centreing the 3rd... so we will see. Chimmer is one of my favs. Always plays hard and draws penalties and can score imo well enough. I really like the look of this line.
Hendricks - Perreault - Ward
Its always hard putting an offensive minded small guy in the line up when hes not on a top 2 line. but what to do?
He deserves a shot and im not sure what his off season has been like or if he has been playing so ive thrown him here and put some defensive responsibility with his line mates.
Crabb
Schultz Green
We dont really have many other options to play with Green here. Poti if healthy would be handy but hes still a while off. if ever.
Green is still probably the most talented offensive defender out there. I am glad that the green light has been given for guys like him, Carlson, Alzner & Hamrlik. Whilst Hamr is past his best and Alzner isnt really an offensive threat, they are both smart enough to know when jumping up will create enough pressure for possible scoring chances.
Heres hoping Green can get back in that 60 point range because his defensive qualities are about B+ to A now after spending a lot of time on it, we all know his offensive will be there if he feels comfortable in using it.
Alzner Carlson
Erskine Hamrlik
Holtby