1Gold Standard
Registered User
- Jun 13, 2012
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You and I are definitely thinking along the same lines. I am willing to throw out Bergeron's 2010 performance, both because he was injured and because he is so much better now. He and Crosby dominated the 2006 WCs on the same line, with Bergeron in the role you just described. A line like:
Tavares Crosby Bergeron
Would not have any weakness, and I trust Bergeron to do a far superior job of what Dupuis does in Pittsburgh. Likewise, I think that Tavares could more than replicate the role played by Kunitz due to his hockey IQ.
I also agree that E. Staal is looking like a lock. I'm curious to see if anyone thinks he would work on a line with Stamkos and St. Louis, either as the LW or the centre. He has the size to fulfill the required board work necessities, and he's a big threat to score or set up someone else on the line. He seems to be thriving with a sniper on his line in Carolina (Semin) so I have optimism that he would work with Stamkos.
This scenario would produce something like:
Tavares Crosby Bergeron
E. Staal Stamkos St. Louis
Sharp Toews Nash
Bergeron is often listed as the fourth line centre, but clearly this would be amended in such a situation. There are loads of options for the fourth line. I would consider a speed line possibly, something built around a combination of Giroux, Duchene, Hall, Seguin, Kane. Could be dangerous, and a nice change of pace.
I've had that line together in my lineup for a few weeks now...although not Bergeron with Sid on the 1st line... only because I wanted the 4 best lines that get more or less equal amounts of ATOI... I like your suggestion but that tells me (if I were coaching the 1st 3 lines will get the bulk of the ice time.) If I were going the route you suggest for the 4th line, then for sure I'd want it Duchene Giroux Seguin. I prefer Seguin over Hall or Kane at this point because I think he thinks the game better. but that's just me. I'd take Hall and Kane, but at this point they would be extra bodies.
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