Line Combos: With the addition of Orlov, how do you see the defense pairings?

[PlayMakers]

Carlo has been the best partner for Orlov so far, by far. Orlov is used to playing with a defensive D and in a shutdown role. I'm sticking with...

Gryz-McAvoy
Lindholm-Cliffy
Orlov-Carlo

All have been dominant pairs this year (granted 81-25 is a tiny sample), there are no potential weak pairs, and it keeps one of Mac / Lindy / Orlov on the ice at all times.

 

[BruinsFanMike82]

Based on <20 mins of Even Strength results so far with Orlov in the lineup, I'd go:


Without Forbort
Lindholm - McAvoy
Orlov - Carlo
Grzelcyk - Clifton

Without Clifton
Lindholm - McAvoy
Orlov - Carlo
Forbort - Grzelcyk

Without Grzelcyk
Forbort - McAvoy
Lindholm - Clifton
Orlov - Carlo


However, I'd still mix and match for at least 10 more games before starting to lock in the pairs for the playoffs.

 

[neverwatchthegames]

Does yall think that bertuzzi will now play with bergeron and Debrusk now that marchand is injured as well.

I gotta think that we're going to see a lot of different line/pair combos down the stretch. Coach Jim seems to be trying to rest guys and test out different configurations to prepare for the playoffs both in terms of load management as well as practicing for injury related game plans.

 

[NDiesel]

Carlo has been the best partner for Orlov so far, by far. Orlov is used to playing with a defensive D and in a shutdown role. I'm sticking with...

Gryz-McAvoy
Lindholm-Cliffy
Orlov-Carlo

All have been dominant pairs this year (granted 81-25 is a tiny sample), there are no potential weak pairs, and it keeps one of Mac / Lindy / Orlov on the ice at all times.

Yep I love this idea. Wasn't sure if Orlov should go line 1 or if Gryz should, but I think you keep 48-73 together as you know exactly what you'll get.

Been pining for Lindholm-Clifton since they were together at the start of the year, and you just know Cliffy is about to hit his 2nd gear in playoffs as well.

 

[DarrenBanks56]

Yep I love this idea. Wasn't sure if Orlov should go line 1 or if Gryz should, but I think you keep 48-73 together as you know exactly what you'll get.

Been pining for Lindholm-Clifton since they were together at the start of the year, and you just know Cliffy is about to hit his 2nd gear in playoffs as well.

lindy and cliffy is a great pair.
allows cliffy to take offensive chances as well.

 

[RoccoF14]

lindy and cliffy is a great pair.
allows cliffy to take offensive chances as well.

I'm not sure I WANT Cliffy taking offensive chances in the playoffs. In fact, I'd like to see a little more of a disciplined approach, instead of the Cliffy "chicken with the head cut off" kamikaze style. Sure its fun to watch. Not so sure its what you need in the post season, though.....But I'm splitting hairs. We've got 7 guys on the back end that I'm more than comfortable with...

 

[LouJersey]

Buffalo Sabres @ Boston Bruins, 2023-03-02

www.naturalstattrick.com

 

[hrdpuk]

I'd like to see these 4 on the ice for the max minutes. In no special order Mac-Carlo- Orlov- Lindholm.

 

[Healthy Wrap]

As awful as he was last night, I will continue to bang the drum for Clifton to be paired with Lindholm. That duo was legitimately good to start the year. Sit Forbort, who is easily the worst defenseman 5 on 5.

Orlov-McAvoy
Lindholm-Clifton
Grzelcyk-Carlo

Gives you 3 pairings with a balance of skill and size/defensive acumen.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

As awful as he was last night, I will continue to bang the drum for Clifton to be paired with Lindholm. That duo was legitimately good to start the year. Sit Forbort, who is easily the worst defenseman 5 on 5.

Orlov-McAvoy
Lindholm-Clifton
Grzelcyk-Carlo

Gives you 3 pairings with a balance of skill and size/defensive acumen.

I know a lot of people detest dressing 7 D. However, the question is does the ability
of dressing 7 D and using Forbort predominantly in a PK mode and in game injury stopgap outweigh the issues created by using 11F (potential fatigue, line combo issues
and bench confusion on line changes). So is Forbort's PK contribution more important than Greer's\Frederick's ice time, assuming Foligno doesn't make it back? If both 71\17
make it back Hathaway, Frederic and Greer?

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

I know a lot of people detest dressing 7 D. However, the question is does the ability
of dressing 7 D and using Forbort predominantly in a PK mode and in game injury stopgap outweigh the issues created by using 11F (potential fatigue, line combo issues
and bench confusion on line changes). So is Forbort's PK contribution more important than Greer's\Frederick's ice time, assuming Foligno doesn't make it back? If both 71\17
make it back Hathaway, Frederic and Greer?

Would be surprised if they went with 7 D in the playoffs.

Can't see sitting Hathaway. One of only 3 legit RWs on the roster.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

Would be surprised if they went with 7 D in the playoffs.

Can't see sitting Hathaway. One of only 3 legit RWs on the roster.

You right but it makes you want to sort out the pros and cons of it. Because I don't want to see Forbort in a 6 man rotation.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

You right but it makes you want to sort out the pros and cons of it. Because I don't want to see Forbort in a 6 man rotation.

Yeah, not after last night, eh?

Playoffs still aways off. Who knows what the injury situation will be or who will be playing well when the time comes.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Put this in the Postgame thread but probably better suited here. Warning: statistics were used in the writing of this article. Consume at your own risk.

Bruins’ D competition takes a turn in rough loss to Chicago

Derek Forbort and Connor Clifton had a rough night in the Boston Bruins’$2 6-3 loss to the lowly Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. That pairing has been struggling for a while now, and it may not be safe to assume they’re locks for the playoff lineup.

www.audacy.com