I wonder if he defaults to pairing Mcloed and benson together atleast to start hopefully with a jp or hyman on the right side. Broberg and Niemelianen have been recalled so I could see lagesson moving to the press box

I have McLeod at 4C, perhaps Benson goes there. Do you really think Puljujarvi or Hyman will be on the 4th line though? I think Woody will want a veteran with a young guy like I set it up.

Lagesson has played reasonably well, I don't think they'll start 2 rookies in the same game.

I wouldn’t think they would have three rookie d at the same time including Bouchard as a rookie even tho technically isn’t but really he is. However woodcroft would be going with guys he knows and is very familiar with so I could see it for that reason. Whether it’s the 2nd 3rd or 4th line wouldn’t be surprised if he rolls the bottom three lines somewhat evenly or more evenly than normal just to get more familiar with everyone.

Another possibility:

Same 1st line
Nugent-Hopkins - Draisaitl - Hyman
Foegele - McLeod - Yamamoto
Benson - Ryan - Perlini / Shore

Wouldn’t mind seeing that but am a bit more in favour of getting a look at benson with Leon. It feels overdue and deserved. He’s impressed me this season with willingness to adjust his game to a role he’s never really been suited for just to try and stick on the roster. If attempting to balance lines in this scenario moving a guy up the line that has very good track record of producing at every other level. Also really want to test him before deadline if someone else is brought in he becomes a candidate to loose his job which don’t want to see without giving a good look. Could catch lightening in a bottle pretty much exactly like yam. Be a big boost down the stretch if it works if it doesn’t at least tried.

Oh crap I thought this was a different thread that had benson with Leon haha I’m sure you’ll stumble on that one. My mistake but point still stands