There is still no bottom six. The biggest problem with this forward group is that there are seven top-six forwards and the rest are marginal fourth liners.
The way Sullsma has been "constructing" these lines, he's sacrificing the seventh-best forward's skillset and playing him with scrubs.
Sullsma actually has part of the solution already- forward pairs. The only way things are going to work is if there are two top-six forwards on each of the top three lines, with the third forward on each line rotating and "playing up."
Guentzel - Crosby - xxxxx
Try Puustinen and O'Connor on their wing. Fall back on Rakell and/or Rust
Zucker - xxxxx - Granlund
These two have proven chemistry. Granlund could also potentially play center, but he's better on the wing. Try all of Malkin, Carter, and Bonino between them.
xxxxx - Malkin - Rakell
I prefer to see Zucker and Granlund flanking Geno. But if those two are together and centered by Carter or Bonino, try Puustinen, O'Connor, and Rust with these two. Both Rakell and Rust can slot to the left side if needed.
xxxxx - Bonino - Rust
Start of a competent third line. O'Connor and Poehling should both get looks.
xxxxx - xxxxx - Archibald
Ok, not a pair. But this is where he goes.
Heinen - Carter - xxxxx
A nice press box duo.
