I don't know what Riikola's best is, because he's never given a secure spot in the lineup.
I'd like to think he may be able to handle a middle pairing role/minutes, but I know for sure he's entirely capable of being a good bottom pairing guy because, well, he has been for the vast majority of games he's dressed. I realize I've been championing Riikola's cause more than most since I popped on here, but I can't understand how anyone can watch Petts, Schultz, JJ, and Ruh/Trotman continue to bumble around and be detrimental to this team, yet turn around and want Riikola scratched when he's solid, if not good, most of the nights he's able to actually dress.
Boggles my mind, man. Especially lately, Petts, Schultz and JJ have flat-out sucked and legitimately cost us games. I'm not saying Riikola's perfect, I'm just saying he's been better than those three and any of the WBS-tier fodder guys like Ruh and Trotman. Riikola should absolutely have a permanent spot in this lineup. Whether it's next to Marino on the 2nd pair or on the 3rd pair is definitely a discussion, but anyone saying the dude should be scratched in favor of having the aforementioned trio in is just something I cannot wrap my head around. I go to bat for Sully all the time, but his unquenchable desire to scratch Riikola in favor of playing way less effective blueliners is maddening.