Quoting: Devil1122
Zacha -- Hischier -- Bratt
Johnsson -- Mercer -- Tatar
Kuokkanen -- Sharangovich -- Holtz
Vesey -- McLeod -- Studenic
Graves -- Hamilton
Smith -- Severson
Siegenthaler -- Subban
Wedgewood
Daws
On forwards, I like the idea of Holtz playing with Sharangovich, but I do think they would need a possession type on that line as both Yegor and Alex are both more finisher types. And Kuokkanen is complimentary, puck-retriever, 3rd piece on that line. Also, maybe if its a short-term fix, its not an issue, but I don't want to see Holtz get called up for 11 minutes a night on a 3rd line.
Lastly, hard to comment on last nights game and not bring up (a) the goaltending was atrocious. Even for AHL, it was bad. Wedgewood was so out of position on the 2nd and 4th goals. Gotta wonder if Daws could have been better. and (b) I don't remember Severson playing LD before, but he has gotta get back to RD. Looked out of place playing off-hand.
Quoting: efiug
i like these lines a lot but i think i'd do some minor changes
Tatar - Hischier - Bratt
Zacha - Sharangovich - Johnsson
Mercer - Kuokkanen - Studenic
Vesey - Mcleod - Geertsen
hope this helps!
Mercer should definitely stick at center, he seems like he is a fit for both face-offs and playing responsibly defensively at the position.
Quoting: PaulieWalnuts
I can't for the life of me understand why Geertsen was dressed against the Caps. There's no need whatsoever in playing him over Studenic, Thompson or Boqvist. I also didn't like that White was swapped out for Jaros either. Not saying they'd won it with these changes but I certainly think they'd play better than what we saw last night.
I think you're right on Sharangovich, I also feel like Kuokkanen hasn't found his game yet.
Even though I'd be really hyped for it, I still think it's too early for Holtz. Some more time with Utica would do him good and look to call him up when Devils are in a stronger position roster-wise.
Agree on Geertsen. And we all know why he was there. To balance out the physicality of the caps. But would also say Vesey's play in o-zone also showed us how valuable Wood is to this team. Hoefully he is back soon.
Quoting: PaulieWalnuts
Suggestion for Buffalo:
Zacha - Hischier - Bratt
Johnsson - Mercer - Tatar
Kuokkanen - Sharangovich - Vesey
Gauthier - McLeod - Studenic
Graves - Hamilton
White (Smith) - Severson
Siegenthaler - Subban
I like the first two lines, but that Kuok/Shara line is going to struggle without a playmaker, puck-carrier type. They are not dump-and-chase, grind the boards down low type players. Sort of caught in between.