Since Patrik Laine was injured, we’ve been wondering who will replace him alongside Kirby Dach and (presumably) Alex Newhook on the club’s second line.
Joshua Roy and Joel Armia had auditions recently. Oliver Kapanen is raised, even if I don’t really believe it. The club could also look elsewhere than in the organization.
But I don’t believe in that either: if CH is going to look for reinforcements, it will surely be for a tough team, not for a top-6 finish.
One of the solutions that is sometimes raised is to see the first trio be dismantled in order to give a little reinforcement to Dach. Could Juraj Slafkovsky or Cole Caufield go and play another line, a little lower?
The question arises.
Martin St-Louis is not closed to the idea, which we understand by reading between the lines of his words… but it really doesn’t seem to be his #1 plan, let’s face it.
He seems to think that if it ain’t broke, you don’t have to fix it.
Eric Engels reports that for several days, the lines in training have not been clear, but that the first trio is nevertheless still intact. This is a very important indicator, even if the journalist points out that it can change at any time.
However, this is not something that can be predicted at this time: there is nothing to suggest that a change is imminent.
Note also that since the start of camp, whether before or after Laine’s injury, we have never seen Suzuki with anyone other than Caufield and Slaf.
It’s not surprising looking at the end of the season, but I would still have liked, regardless of the injuries, to see the coach do tests. That ultimately didn’t happen – not yet, at least.
I have a feeling that if the top line is struggling or it’s clear that Dach’s line is running out of gas, a solution could be considered by breaking up the top line. But at the moment, that’s obviously not in the plans.
If I were in Martin St-Louis’ seat, this is how I would start the year. Michael Pezzetta and Alex Barré-Boulet would be in the stands.
Caufield – Suzuki – Slafkovsky
Newhook – Dach – Roy
Armia – Dvorak – Kapanen
Anderson – Evans – Gallagher
I wouldn’t mind leaving Kapanen out in the first game just to get Pezz in against Toronto and to avoid a two-for-two starting, but otherwise I’d generally go that way. But we’ll see in due time.
Note also that these are my preferences. In fact, Joel Armia could well be on the second line.
In burst
– It will be explosive.
– Anyway.
– Obviously.
– Nathan MacKinnon, the best player in the NHL? [TVAS]
– Well done.
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