Yeap. I like Boston's model of a dominant first line of Bergeron, Pasta, Marchand and then a very solid 2nd line with Krecji, Backes, and Debrusk. The Hawks should follow suit by loading up our top 2 lines, having a Kruger shutdown line, and then let the kids battle it out for a fast 3rd line. Schmaltz disappeared last spring when he was split from Kane. He needs to play with either Toews or Kane. These balanced 3 lines that some people propose would produce 3 mediocre lines rather than produce 2 dominant lines and one poor line.
I understand why people want three scoring lines because who wouldn’t? But you need an effective first line before you can start thinking about your third line.
I think you let the third line sort itself out in camp while focusing on creating two set top-6 lines that have players who compliment each other’s skill set, and can carry the load offensively.
I think the top-6 players are set, it’s just a matter of how you put them all together to get the most out of them. The top-6 should be composed of the players below, and Q should stop getting cute by putting Anisimov and DeBrincat on the third line.
Toews
Kane
Saad
Schmaltz
DeBrincat
Anisimov
If Sikura is actually as good as people think he’ll be, then he provides a great starting point for your speedy third line, and can get some power play time. I’m thinking no matter how it shakes out, you’re likely acquiring a third line forward at the deadline if the team is in contention, but I’m okay with that if it means two solid top-6 lines with good chemistry.