Filppula could be huge for this team. Solid shutdown C. Just wonder if we get him how they built lines because if they want to increase Toews offense and let him play easier minutes and let Filppula handle tougher competition, who is going to play with him?
Hayden - Toews - Kane (2nd toughest competition)
DeBrincat - Schmaltz - Sikura (pure offense)
Saad - Filppula - Hinostroza (shutdown)
Kahun - Kampf - Wingels (6-8min 4th line duty)
I like the way this looks. That third line kind of reminds me of the Hossa third line that was a pretty effective shutdown line a few years back. Saad had really good Corsi numbers against really strong competition last season, I think he could carry a shutdown line. He also shoots a lot, so if his shots actually wind up in the net, that could be a great line at turning defense to offense.
I don’t really have a problem scaling back Kane’s warm butter-soft zone start rate, or giving Toews a more offensive role. If Toews changes his game a bit to compliment Kane, then that’s a fantastic line, no matter who plays LW. Also, looking around the league, very few first line centers are playing away from the team’s best winger. It’d be on Toews to make it work though.
I love the idea of pairing DeBrincat with Schmaltz, I think they’d be perfect together. Schmaltz’ playmaking with DeBrincat’s shooting could form one of the best young lines in the league. Those two in a role with a ~70% offensive zone start rate could be so dangerous.
The forth line is the fourth line. Like you said, 6-8 minutes a night, and you’re basically just rolling your first three lines at about 17-18 minutes each.
I think this setup is definitely worth taking a look at.
