Wasn't the Johnny Bennett duo's one very successful game together with Lazar on RW?
It was, in fact I think they were together for two games which we both won by a total +5 goal differential. But Lazar's lack of finish was an issue then and has been all season. How many wide open nets has he shanked? Jankowski and Ferland are better shooters and overall better players.
Johnny-Bennett-Ferland also played one game together, which we won by a score of 4-1
All in, we have a +8 goal differential when Bennett centers Gaudreau this season. I believe teams struggle with the speed and trickery that combination provides (when Bennett centers) and it seems to trickle down the lineup due to matchups. In that regard Lazar's speed helps that line, however Ferland and Janko can both skate very well too and are more dangerous options in my opinion.
My lineup with the injuries to all of Tkachuk, Versteeg, Monahan, Mangiapane would probably look like
Gaudreau-Bennett-Jankowski
Ferland-Backlund-Lazar
Frolik-Shore-Stewart
Klimchuk-Stajan-Brouwer
I like the third line because you've got two possession drivers in Frolik and Shore and you've added an offensive player in Stewart who can take advantage of that. I also like the second line because Lazar and Ferland have offsetting skillsets and Backlund is Backlund.
Then shift Janko back to 3C and Shore down to 4C when you get some wingers back.
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