Throughout the majority of the pre-season and training camp, head coach Jeff Blashill has been relatively consistent with his forward lines. With players being in and out of the lineup due to preseason game limits for veterans, there have been natural changes. Today, however, the lines in practice left fans pondering.
The first official regular season practice was today and these were the forward lines:
Moore – Kantserov – Kane
Donato – Nazar – Lardis
Bertuzzi – Frondell – Mangiapane
Smith – Greene – Greenway
Extra: Teravainen
Other than the pairing of Patrick Kane, Roman Kantserov, and the fourth line entirely, the forward group has a whole new look.
Kantserov played one preseason game at center and he clearly impressed Jeff Blashill “Got to see Roman at center; feel confident he can play center in the NHL” Blashill said after practice.
Adding Oliver Moore to the top line is interesting, as Moore has historically looked better down the middle. However, his speed and tenacity on the puck may gel very well with Kane’s slower paced style of playmaking, and Kantserov’s goal scoring, net driving ability.
The now third line, which was the second line the other day, stays intact. Anton Frondell looked his best in preseason playing with Tyler Bertuzzi and Andrew Mangiapane, so it makes sense to keep them together.
Nick Lardis and Anton Frondell were a second-line pair through most of camp, which I believe hindered both of them, as are both elite shots and would benefit as the lone shooter on a line, ideally with a playmaker.
Ryan Donato also gets the bump back into the top-six. “I think Frankie [Nazar] can carry his own line” Jeff Blashill’s reasoning for putting Nazar between a inexperienced Nick Lardis, and sub-par top-six scorer in Donato. Watch for Nick Lardis to have a major impact early.
These will likely be the lines to open up the regular season tomorrow in Vegas. Connor Bedard is set to travel with the team, however, he is not practicing with them yet.