I have a hunch that Petan is the odd man out. I don't think Maurice sees him as playing a significant offensive role or on the PK. Also, he'll want him to keep getting heavy minutes in the AHL rather than a bit role. I don't like it because I think Petan really showed a lot, but I think that's how it shakes out.
Dano made a strong statement, which was a problem for Petan, but hopefully influences the roster decisions. I think Tanev and Hendricks play off and on roles, in and out of the press box. Matthias is a question mark. He's been fine, but hasn't made a strong statement in pre-season. I think Copp has been consistently strong regardless of position or linemates. He's a roster lock. Connor might be in trouble, but he shouldn't be. My guess is that he was pencilled into the lineup some time ago.
The bottom six is a guessing game. I think Lowry and Armia will anchor one line, and Copp the other. Connor makes it four. That leaves two spots for Matthias, Dano, Hendricks and Tanev.
For opening night, my guess is that we'll see Hendricks and either Dano or Matthias. I'm going to guess Dano because of a couple of really strong games. That could change in the final preseason game.
Connor-Lowry-Armia
Copp-Hendricks-Dano
Another line-up possibility...
Matthias-Lowry-Armia
Connor-Copp-Dano
Trying to guess what PMo will do now is just frustrating and depends on my mood.
Didn't listen to PMo's post game but what I'm reading about it here has me .... 'concerned'.
Both Hendricks and Tanev have shown better than I expected them to, especially Tanev. That said we have 14 F's clearly better than either of them. That is without counting Moose, like Roslovic. If there are no injuries both should be waived. Neither will be claimed. That is even allowing for PMo.
Bubble players:
Connor - hasn't forced his way into the lineup. Has looked good in flashes. Has looked like he is trying to round out his game and is doing well at that. I'm satisfied that he is ready but I don't think he is a lock.
Petan - If he hasn't won a spot with this TC performance, well .....
He is playing both wing and C. He is playing well with and without the puck in all zones. He has just been getting better with each game.
Dano - has had some good shifts but also has not forced his way into the lineup. We may end up with a rotation through the PB. Dano may be part of that.
Lipon - I think has had more good play than Dano has but it is close. Both require waivers. They may share a 4th line spot and rotate in and out of the PB. Never in the lineup at the same time - when we are healthy. Both Lipon and Dano need waivers.
Then there is Matthias. Maybe he should be listed with the bubble players. If we are healthy he may spend a lot of time in the PB rotation too.
My current preferred lineup:
Ehlers - Scheifele - Laine
Connor - Little - Wheeler
Perreault - Petan - Armia/Dano
Copp - Lowry - Lipon/Dano/Armia/Matthias
2 of Lipon/Dano/Matthias in the PB
Morrissey - Trouba
Enstrom/Kulikov - Buff
Kulikov/Enstrom - Myers
Chiarot
Poolman called up at first injury to play ahead of Chiarot.
I'll try guessing what Maurice will do:
Ehlers - Scheifele - Laine
Perreault - Little - Wheeler
Petan - Lowry - Armia
Matthias - Copp - Hendricks
Lipon/Dano
Connor might be where I have Petan. 1 of them will be sent down.
Morrissey - Trouba
Enstrom/Kulikov - Buff
Kulikov/Enstrom - Myers
Chiarot
Poolman called up at first injury to play ahead of Chiarot.