Copying my post from the pregame thread. With Kase likely out, I like these:
Marchand-Bergeron-Smith
Ritchie-Krejci-Coyle
DeBrusk-Frederic-Bjork
Lindholm-Kuraly-Wagner
- Bjork has no business in the top 6 under any circumstance. Literally play anyone else there. He looks great on the third or forth against lesser competition, but he drags any life out of what ever line he's on when elevated to the top 6.
- I love what I've seen from Frederic so far. He had a great rush with Kuraly and Wagner last game where he was effectively the center. Let's give him a shot at his natural position.
- I'm a DeBrusk supporter, but at some point we have to end our belief he and Krejci are gonna work. They don't, and frankly, DeBrusk has been looking like a third liner.
- Ritchie's played above expectation. Krejci historically does well with bigger, power forward wingers. Ritchie and Coyle are two big dudes that can play the possession game Krejci thrives in.
- I want Studs to get ice time, but I like my top 9 here, and I think Lindholm works better on the 4th. Not a sexy lineup add, but I'm OK with him in a limited, 4th line role. Can help the PK a bit, too.