A thread speculating about possible lines? Already?!

[Deebo]

Some updates on the injuries, sounds like all 3 could be back within 2 weeks.

Injury update: According to Nonis, Frattin knee procedure was successful. Probably 10 days or so from return.

According to general manager Dave Nonis, goaltender James Reimer will participate in a light workout on the ice Tuesday or Wednesday.

Injury update: As part of ongoing recovery from fractured forearm, Joffrey Lupul now back skating as well. Likely couple weeks till return.

Very good news. I really want to see Lupul back in this lineup again. Having him and Frattin back up front should augment the line combos, and should help Kessel get back on track.

Lupul and Riemer are on the ice at an optional skate today.

 

[Zee]

Some updates on the injuries, sounds like all 3 could be back within 2 weeks.

Injury update: According to Nonis, Frattin knee procedure was successful. Probably 10 days or so from return.

According to general manager Dave Nonis, goaltender James Reimer will participate in a light workout on the ice Tuesday or Wednesday.

Injury update: As part of ongoing recovery from fractured forearm, Joffrey Lupul now back skating as well. Likely couple weeks till return.

Very good news. I really want to see Lupul back in this lineup again. Having him and Frattin back up front should augment the line combos, and should help Kessel get back on track.

Lupul and Riemer are on the ice at an optional skate today.

I hope Phaneuf wasn't allowed to shoot in Lupul's direction.

 

[slapshot]

In terms of reconfiguring the lines once Lupul and Frattin return.

A couple of options
Option 1
Lupul  Bozak Kessel
JVR  Kadri    Frattin
Mac  Grabo  Kuli
Komo McClement McLaren/Brown/Orr ?

Option 2 (more radical)
Lupul JVR Kessel
Mac  Kadri  Frattin
Grabo Bozak Kuli
Komo McClement McLaren/Brown/Orr ?

The problem we have is we have three 2-3 centres and no real #1. Not easy to find.

 

[losveratos]

In terms of reconfiguring the lines once Lupul and Frattin return.

A couple of options
Option 1
Lupul  Bozak Kessel
JVR  Kadri    Frattin
Mac  Grabo  Kuli
Komo McClement McLaren/Brown/Orr ?

Option 2 (more radical)
Lupul JVR Kessel
Mac  Kadri  Frattin
Grabo Bozak Kuli
Komo McClement McLaren/Brown/Orr ?

The problem we have is we have three 2-3 centres and no real #1. Not easy to find.

I don't know if it's a good idea to put both of our high scoring wingers on Kadri's line. Might need to balance it a bit. Also I'm not sure JVR works as a Center. But I wouldn't be opposed to trying it for real. Maybe 3-5 games with him as Center. But probably not on the 1st line.

 

[rdowdall]

In terms of reconfiguring the lines once Lupul and Frattin return.

A couple of options
Option 1
Lupul  Bozak Kessel
JVR  Kadri    Frattin
Mac  Grabo  Kuli
Komo McClement McLaren/Brown/Orr ?

Option 2 (more radical)
Lupul JVR Kessel
Mac  Kadri  Frattin
Grabo Bozak Kuli
Komo McClement McLaren/Brown/Orr ?

The problem we have is we have three 2-3 centres and no real #1. Not easy to find.

I don't know if it's a good idea to put both of our high scoring wingers on Kadri's line. Might need to balance it a bit. Also I'm not sure JVR works as a Center. But I wouldn't be opposed to trying it for real. Maybe 3-5 games with him as Center. But probably not on the 1st line.

I would keep JVR with Bozak and Kessel.  Move Lupul with Kadri and Frattin.  Keep the Russian line together.  4th line is McClement, Brown and Orr.  MacArthur slots in for those that need a break.

 

[slapshot]

In terms of reconfiguring the lines once Lupul and Frattin return.

A couple of options
Option 1
Lupul  Bozak Kessel
JVR  Kadri    Frattin
Mac  Grabo  Kuli
Komo McClement McLaren/Brown/Orr ?

Option 2 (more radical)
Lupul JVR Kessel
Mac  Kadri  Frattin
Grabo Bozak Kuli
Komo McClement McLaren/Brown/Orr ?

The problem we have is we have three 2-3 centres and no real #1. Not easy to find.

I don't know if it's a good idea to put both of our high scoring wingers on Kadri's line. Might need to balance it a bit. Also I'm not sure JVR works as a Center. But I wouldn't be opposed to trying it for real. Maybe 3-5 games with him as Center. But probably not on the 1st line.

I actually would mind seeing Kessel tried at center with JVR and Lupul on wings. Any thoughts on that. Might get him away from Chara when they play Boston, and his passing is almost as good as his shooting. Very underrated. I've also noticed Kessel is usually the first one back on his line backchecking. Faceoffs might be a challenge, but he was drafted as a center. Would give him a lot of open ice to work his magic.

 

[OldTimeHockey]

I personally really like Komarov on Kadri's line. Provides some banging and energy.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

I personally really like Komarov on Kadri's line. Provides some banging and energy.

Yeah, I want Frattin back on that line also.

Komarov/ Kadri/ Frattin

 

[rdowdall]

I personally really like Komarov on Kadri's line. Provides some banging and energy.

Yeah, I want Frattin back on that line also.

Komarov/ Kadri/ Frattin

I think it's better to leave the Russians together and put Lupul or JVR on that line.

 

[Deebo]

Apparently Lupul was taking one-timers before practice and looking good.

But as he seems to be very close to returning, JVR left practice favouring his leg, no word on the extent of that injury.

 

[sneakyray]

Jonas Siegel tweets

"Carlyle says Lupul has not been cleared for contact. He will not travel with the team to Winnipeg."

 

[bustaheims]

Jonas Siegel tweets

"Carlyle says Lupul has not been cleared for contact. He will not travel with the team to Winnipeg."

I doubt he gets into a game before Saturday.

 

[dappleganger]

Once Lupul gets back I'd like to see these forward lines:

 

[Rebel_1812]

Once Lupul gets back I'd like to see these forward lines:

these are find but replace kulemin with Orr. 

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Why not just replace Kessel with Orr instead?

 

[bustaheims]

Why not just replace Kessel with Orr instead?

jonasTSN1050: Odd fact: Nik Kulemin has as many even-strength points this season (13) as Phil Kessel.

 

[crazyperfectdevil]

Once Lupul gets back I'd like to see these forward lines:

these are find but replace kulemin with Orr.

why?

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Why not just replace Kessel with Orr instead?

jonasTSN1050: Odd fact: Nik Kulemin has as many even-strength points this season (13) as Phil Kessel.

But Kulemin has no offensive skill apparently.

 

[slapshot]

I would like to see Kessel between JVR and Lupul.
Leave MacKadFrat line together
Put Bozak between Grabo and Kuli
Last line I agree with.

A little radical but would be an interesting experiment.

 

[bustaheims]

I would like to see Kessel between JVR and Lupul.
Leave MacKadFrat line together
Put Bozak between Grabo and Kuli
Last line I agree with.

A little radical but would be an interesting experiment.

They've tried Kessel at centre a few times since he's been here. He's not good at it and he's not comfortable down the middle. He was moved to the wing for a reason.