The forward depth undoubtedly suffered from injuries which changed things, however, Bednar was already calling 3rd line guys out early in the Arizona series. At that stage we didn't have the gluttony of injuries we suffered against Dallas, but the 3rd line was already dysfunctional then. So whilst it is true that injuries played their part against Dallas, the issues with the 3rd line were already apparent much earlier than that.

For starters Donskoi was playing the worst hockey of his career, just floating around aimlessly and giving the puck away every time he touched it. Namestnikov, who started the round robin on the top line, gradually worked his way down the lineup with increasingly poor showings. Compher was largely anonymous. Jost was ok defensively but brought little with the puck.

Now, I do think these are decent players individually, certainly 3rd line quality. However, as a unit the 3rd line was just very dysfunctional throughout the playoffs, even before the injury-riddled Dallas series. Adding a natural center to that line would do wonders for the chemistry of the line. Compher doesn't necessarily have to be replaced outright, only moved to the wing, with a natural 3C slotting into that role.

Perhaps Sakic is sticking with Compher as a short-term solution before Newhook joins, which would be understandable. But one way or another Sakic needs to be looking at ways to upgrade that part of the roster if we want to be able to match up against the best in the league in a 7 game series. Just look at the two cup finalists last season - Dallas and Tampa, who both had extremely strong depth down the middle. If we can replicate that we'd be able to match them, if not out-match them outright.

So you have a Ferrari with Walmart hubcaps, but it still drives fast..

Namestinikov is gone, donskoi was injured and could have been playing hurt, compher had a bad bubble nishkuchin was great and is on the 3rd line now. I cant imagine a better 4th line in the league, the top line is league elite once the put landy back up there.. great second line if saad is the old chicago saad. Their defense is second to none in depth at the position and as long as the goalie are healthy they are solid..

Well yeah, it's obviously a great team already as is - a Ferrari as you called it. But that doesn't mean that improvements can't be made to make it even better. Even Ferrari's have to be serviced regularly after all

Which is why, I think, if he can be the 3C and Compher moves to his wing, you might actually see him getting some points.

@JeffW After watching last nights brutal game, do you still think we don't need to address the 3C issue?

The Avs bottom six got completely dominated. Just one shot on goal between the six of them and smoked in possession. Mind, the 2nd line was also dreadfully bad, going a combined -10 in the game.

I think it was one game and everyone but mackinnon and girard had a terrible game.. st. Louis came in more prepared to play it seems

The issues we're having aren't just apparent in 1 game though. They have been there since last season.

No issue from the 3rd line last night

Lol, the 3rd line was hardly the deciding factor in the game. We won because of our PP (5/7) and dominance from our 1st line and defence.

That said, I will say that Nichuskin did a good job with goalie screens on 2 goals, and Donskoi did look livelier this time around too. Compher is a square peg in a round hole though clearly, and he was easily the most anonymous player of any Avs forward. The 3rd line was better individually, but as a unit they are still struggling.

My point is, when you win 8-0 nobody gives a flying fudge about a league average 3c

Well I'm not calling for a 3C based on an anomalous 8-0 game early in the regular season. I'm asking for a 3C based on overall performance going back to last season.