Why overtire the other 3 lines then? Including whoever has to take that 4th line spot + another. At least put in Andrighetto if you're sick of Brassard and his faces? Unless I have been paying bad attention to the Avs lines these past couple games.

Its the playoffs - now is the time to give your star players extra ice time. Brassard got 3 penalties yesterday (some questionable calls, but still) and wasnt very good in the limited ice time he did have. The Avs have had success with 11F 7D in the regular season and Mackinnon/Rantanen/Landeskog can rotate taking that extra shift with the bottom line and pick up that extra ice time

I’m on board with 11-7. Pratt will mix up D pairs situationally through the game anyway, so Makar is another weapon at his disposal. I think 11-7 is the best way to work him in.
As far as the forwards, I would scratch Bourque over Brassard it it was up to me. He’s one of their only good faceoff men and maybe the most willing shooter on the power play. The PP gets itself in trouble when they try to overpass the puck and get too cute. Brassard doesn’t fall into that trap often. He’s also one of the most experienced in terms of playoff games played on a rather inexperienced playoff team.

Bourque has been great on the PK and Brassard was bad yesterday. he took 3 penalties and lost most of his faceoffs

I like the top 9, wish they’d switch Jost and Carl but they seem super reluctant to give Jost a real chance, even though I think he played pretty well down the stretch. Personally I’d go 12-6 and dress Ghetto, and would still take Brassard over Bourque but understand why fans are frustrated with him after last night

Ok yeah I am happy with no brassard and no ghetto. His penalty last night was awful.