Breaking up the kid line isn't really a big deal imo, but what else happens by doing it here is.

Kreider and Mika have to play together or you're leaving a lot of value on the table. They just bring so much more when on a line together and it's bleeding value to separate them imo.

I think you've gotta at least try out Panarin and Kane for a while before you consider going any other way, but I don't necessarily think they HAVE to be together like everyone seems to. It's just likely to be the best option. I do however think that Trocheck centering Panarin is the best option, because I think he can do a better job at finishing the dangerous chances Panarin is able to set up.

So like I said, I don't think breaking up the kid line is a bad idea in itself, I just think the corresponding moves you'd have to make with it aren't worth.

Yeah probably you are right, I'm more looking at having a more like a little bit more mixed with size and more defined bottom 6 (that has more two-way and shutdown capability)

I think shaking up the RW could be worth a shot, at the very least if they're having a tough time and need a shakeup. Kane at RW1/2 and Senko/Kappo filling the other 2 spots either way could be worth a shot. Biggest thing for me is that you just aren't getting all of Kreider if you drop him. All due respect to him, but even he and Mika's chemistry aside, I think that dropping him in the lineup is gonna make it harder for him to generate offense. I'm using this comparison very liberally, but I'd fear you'd risk turning him into the architype of a past year's Boone Jenner by dropping him out of the top 6. He'll definitely be able to make a big impact with his physical play, but playing with worse players (and especially D men) more often, I think it'll really limit his ability to make an impact on the offensive zone doing what he does well. He's just so dangerous doing what he does when you can have heavy possession like they're able to with the guys he's out there with right now, but I'd be worried about him being forced to lean into physical play and score a lot less further down the lineup.

Maybe I'm overthinking it, but that's just my inclination.

Most likely is that I am over thinking it thank you for feedback, I will give these comments a good thinking 🤔

With 20 games to go, one of the most important things for NYR is to put consistent lines on the ice, whatever the combination. With a short lineup resulting in 2 Dmen (both marginal NHL players) getting massive minutes...I wouldn't put too much stock in where the NYR are at the minute. Maybe the fact that that up next is the best team in the NHL will motivate them to at least try to play the way they will need to play if they have even a glimmer of hope at getting through the Stanley Cup gauntlet. On paper, for sure, the NYR lineup (with everyone back in the lineup) looks impressive. But for whatever reason, this team just continues to play lazy hockey. Neutral zone turnovers, lousy D (too much space to the opponent, and consistently either someone open in the slot or someone effectively screens our goalie), and perimeter hockey in the O zone. No way to win at hockey- no matter how many super stars you put in the lineup, or where they play.

Yeah, and that is sort of what I hoped to accomplish with these lines. At least we see more of Tarasenko so it will probably take a while for Kane too...
Is it going to be enough? I'm not sure, another level is needed is my feeling...

Another level is needed....but one that doesn't come from adding players or even moving them around...another level that comes from within the head of each player on the roster- willingness to commit to playing the "tooth and nail" type hockey which is required to win. Panarin is my concern here. So far he's shown he more interested in playing a fancy style of loosey goosey hockey. Not only is that selfish on his part- but it doesn't work in the playoffs. And I'm not unrealistically asking him to become a physical player...but I am demanding that he cuts down the lazy cross ice passes AND when the play is going the other way- back check like his mother's life depends on it!

Yes!, consistent lines for the final push. Despite all the shuffling, in the end, GG is stuck on certain duos KZ, PT, and to a lesser extent CK, others fit in around them and Laffy exhibits his playmaking skills on the kid line. There are only two positions to decide on, Kane and Tarasenko. On the surface, it seems like Kane is the playmaker needed for KZ, but chemistry is more important. Kane mentioned in his intro interview that Panarin was for a short time and he would be happy to play with other top forwards, so we will have to see how it shakes out. Interesting comment about Tarasenko not liking players screening for his shots as much as others because he likes to read the weight distribution of the goalie, which seems would work better on the PT line. GG also said he likes Vesey at LW.