Open Night

swap heinen and donato for sure. other than that it looks okay.

I think Donato gets a run with the 1st line to start the year and Pastrnak with Krejci. See if they can get two power lines. If it doesn't work, they will put the best line in hockey back together.

Of course, they could start like this and switch if this isn't working.

I think you are right about Donato being on the Right side...

Stepniak? He played well...

I don't see it with Donato on L1. Donato and DeBrusk have played quite a bit together this pre-season and I think they may try to see if it sticks. You could also slot Heinen in there as he showed some chemistry with Krejci earlier this pre-season. I think Heinen has earned a shot at #2RW, but I just don't see a line of Donato-Frederic-Backes being something that works. All 3 guys do their best work around net and there is no real "passer" on the line. Not to mention Donato & Frederic have almost no experience, so your asking Backes to carry that line.

He has, but he'd be your 13th forward and you already have that in Acciari/Nordstrom.