LINE 1: Dvorak - Suzuki - Caufield
- I've seen ideas for Monahan to play wing here, and that could certainly work as well, however between MTL's C's I feel Dvorak has the weakest transition game in the middle. I think his game would be well suited as a winger with Suzuki / Caufield, and he can help with faceoffs for a line that will definitely get some tough matchups.
LINE 2: Drouin - Monahan - Gallagher
- This is MTL's veteran forward line. All 3 players need to proove themselves this year and I think their skill sets can help each other.
LINE 3: Slafkovsky - Dach - Anderson
- Slafkovsky and Anderson have looked pretty good together, Slafkovsky and Dach looked good together too. Three 6'3" / 6'4" forwards that can all skate with a combined weight of 668 lbs should be a handful for the opposing teams defence.
LINE 4: Dadanov - Evans - Armia
- Dadanov hasn't impressed yet, but it is preseason. Pitlick is probably better but MTL needs to showcase Dadanov somehow. Pezzetta is also an option when grit is needed for certain games.
DEFENCE 1: Matheson - Kovacevic
- Matheson is obviously MTL's top D. Savard and Wideman are obviously not top 4 D. Barron has potential but given the fact MTL claimed Kovacevic off waivers I think he will get a legitimate look. Matheson could also move to the right side if that doesn't work out.
DEFENCE 2: Guhle - Savard
- Guhle has been MTL's most promising young defenseman so far, I think he won the job over Barron. Savard is a steady vet to play some defensive matchups with him.
DEFENCE 3: Xhekaj - Wideman
- While Guhle may have proven to be MTL's most promising D prospect this year, Xhekaj has arguably been the most impressive and the biggest suprise. He handles himself with confidence. He is physically mature and he has shown he is willing to stick up for his teammates which is really needed for a young team. He's confident with the puck and makes the simple plays, Wideman would be a good partner to help him with moving the puck.
Depth D & Callups:
- Scheunamen is ideal for 7th D, the other young guys can progress in Laval. Although I have Xhekaj and Guhle penciled in right now, Harris and Barron have also been good and should get looks throughout the year while the others may see some time in Laval as well.
Suzuki and Dvorak to take strong side faceoffs. Suzuki runs the PP from the right wall, giving him options all over the ice (Caufield One-Timer, Gallagher Bumper, Dvorak Net Front, Wideman Point).
Dach and Monahan to take strong side faceoffs. Drouin runs the PP from the left wall, giving him options all over the ice (Slafkovsky One-Timer, Monahan Bumper, Dach Net Front, Matheson Point).
* When / If Hoffman returns he could replace Slafkovsky if he is sent to Laval or he could even go on the first unit in Suzuki's spot if they wanted to shake things up on the PP with 2 shooters. Dadanov is another player that could factor into the PP, as is Pitlick, but it is important to give Slafkovsky a role on the powerplay if he is playing games in the NHL.
1. From the sounds of it Armia is going to miss a good chunk of time (week or more).
2. The PP's are interesting but I would suggest putting Matheson on PP 1 and swapping Wideman with Guhle for a slightly different look. Guhle has a much better shot and is much better defensively and with Drouin on that PP I would rather have Guhle out there than Wideman to cover for Drouin's blind drop passes to no one lol. I like Wideman so it's nothing against him just need to account for the Drouin factor lol.
Shanesaw9 a aimé ceci.
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