These two games, unlike the first two, were mainly NHL lineups, so I think I'll speak mostly to the line combos instead of individuals.
Forwards:
Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak: Enough said.
Hall-Studnicka-Smith: Stud has looked like he belongs on this unit. They've looked great together. Hall's speed and finishing ability compliments Smith's energy and willingness to get into the dirty areas. I think Studnicka has really benefitted from playing with two awesome line mates, but has looked very comfortable in that role, which is a great thing to see considering that he wasn't even full-time roster player last year.
Debrusk-Haula-Foligno: You can tell that there was an immediate chemistry formed between these three guys. If Haula can stay healthy, this unit may be the depth scoring line that we've lacked over the years. Debrusk looks poised for a bounce back campaign, and alongside Haula, the two could be an effective duo. And Foligno, although his offense may not be as evident as the other two, will earn his paycheck with his defensive and physical reliability.
Frederic-Nosek-Lazar: This line has been nothing short of a disappointment. Two games for Frederic, two bad performances. I don't even know if he belongs in the lineup anymore. At least Lazar showed effort in streaks, although he hasn't been great either. Nosek's been decent, I've liked his nose for the net and his shooter's mentality.
The Other Guys: Kuhlman is the most meh player on this team, even at his best. He's unimpressive, but he could push for a spot. Give Jesper Froden the chance, if you ask me. He's been all over the ice every game he's played in, and he's effective in the offensive zone.
Defense:
Forbort-McAvoy: This will be a solid top pair. Forbort isn't being asked to do anything in the o-zone. His game will always be defense first, and his physicality will be a blessing come playoff time. McAvoy is a top 5 right-shot D-man in the league, he's always good.
Reilly-Carlo: I like the idea of this pair a lot. A steady defenseman like Carlo should allow Reilly to do what he does best, which is joining the rush and being an effective puck moving defenseman.
Grzelcyk-Clifton: Haven't been seen together in the preseason yet, but this should be a decent third pair. Clifton will need to be the defensively-oriented defenseman, which I don't think will be a huge issue and may help him reduce his mistakes. Grzelcyk is seemingly too good for a third pair role, so he should step up and take the less experienced Clifton under his wing.
The Other Guys: Zboril probably becomes the 7th defenseman, which is fine. But John Moore was actually pretty good when he played. Try to waive him and see of someone will take him, he could be a decent third pair guy for some team. Brady Lyle is the guy that I've loved to watch, especially last night. He was excellent in all three zones, and he displayed some NHL-calibur hockey sense. He probably gets a stint in the NHL at some point this year.
Goalies:
Linus Ullmark: He had a decent game yesterday, despite what the stats may say. I wouldn't pin any of the goals on him 100%, although you would like him to stop the Lafreniere goal.
Jeremy Swayman: He's looked really good this preseason, and should get a good amount of starts come regular season time. He could be the starter by the end of the year.
Since Frederic has sucked and Froden has been good, I decided tomato a lineup with Froden and without Frederic.
tbh Studs hasn't looked all that good in the 2C spot. Sure he's had some shifts that makes him more noticeable, but for the most part he's been very invisible. I think Coyle will slot in better there. At least he'll be a very good injury call-up option.
Freddy looks like he's disconnected and lost, i agree.
I was just thinking the same for the 4th line. Froden has been the best player on that 4th line so far, i agree he should be in the lineup, he brings skill and a different look on that 4th line. Lazar puts in the effort every shift, and Nosek is tall/big/fast/not afraid to go into the dirty areas. Wags has looked decent in the games hes played.
I agree, Ullmark just had a bad game it happens. Prob still some rust considering how long he's been out with injury and hasn't seen any game action.
tbh Studs hasn't looked all that good in the 2C spot. Sure he's had some shifts that makes him more noticeable, but for the most part he's been very invisible. I think Coyle will slot in better there. At least he'll be a very good injury call-up option.
Freddy looks like he's disconnected and lost, i agree.
I was just thinking the same for the 4th line. Froden has been the best player on that 4th line so far, i agree he should be in the lineup, he brings skill and a different look on that 4th line. Lazar puts in the effort every shift, and Nosek is tall/big/fast/not afraid to go into the dirty areas. Wags has looked decent in the games hes played.
I agree, Ullmark just had a bad game it happens. Prob still some rust considering how long he's been out with injury and hasn't seen any game action.
I don’t think Stud has been that bad. Maybe not 2C ready, but definitely full time NHL ready. Much more assertive than last year without losing his skating ability.
BruinsFan35 a aimé ceci.
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