So what are the lines for tonight? Specifically the Defence.
Murray on the back end worries me against a speedy team like Colarado.
I'd like to see:
Briere-Plekanec-Gallagher - Briere and Plekanec work very well together, I think the latter has problems meshing with linemates so we should maintain their partnership. Gallagher works on any line, and the others can use a digger.
Pacioretty-Desharnais-Vanek - Gotta stack this line. DD looks to be getting used to feeding Vanek and having him on this line frees up Gallagher, who is desperately needed elsewhere to jumpstart a different line. Having at least 2 lines going at once is crucial down the stretch.
Galchenyuk-Eller-Gionta - Eller and Gionta both play simple games and I think that's why they've shown chemistry. Galchenyuk add some creativity and more size and speed.
Moen-Prust-Weise - We have a good problem on our hands with so many NHLers available to play. It sucks to sit white but he wont play over Prust or Moen. And I've loved weise since he's been here. Fast, big, can play along the boards. He's still young too, I think he can show himself to be a decent 3rd liner if given the opportunity.
Basically I've tried to spread out the smurfs and it works pretty well. The Eller line is balanced well (plus gionta is not a pushover), And DD has two large-ish wingers with skill. I hope we can get that trio clicking, they could be really dominant. I know the Plekanec line is small but all 3 of those guys work well in traffic and to be honest if I had to make an all-small line this would be it. Gallagher IMO is simply short. If you look at his body he's wide and very, very strong. Briere is sneaky as hell and Plekanec is a warrior. The 4th line is great as well.
The Defence:
Boullion-Subban (unfortunately we need to separate Markov and PK to help with the offence; I'd rather see them together. Plus Cube hasn't been awful)
Markov-Emelin (Duh)
Tinordi-Weaver (Weaver has surprised me with his mobility, though overall he's been pretty meh. Tinordi should draw back in for his mobility and energy, and as a bonus he can play LD)