A new look for the lines

I figured after the stinker against Carolina, BB figured it was time to shake up the lines. The second line’s productivity has been less than stellar, as of late. While the first line was “off”, they had at least done something, even though they were negative on the night.

So, Bruce decided to put Ovi with BMo and Knuble since that combination has worked in the past. Flash & Fehr have also worked well together in the past, with a variety of centers. Lines with Backstrom & Semin have worked well together, with or without Ovi. So, they’re trying Chimera with Nicky and Semin. (Let’s see how the CBS line works.)

In the long run, I think Chimera will go back and forth between the second and the third line, depending on the situation. (We’ll probably see OBS again. While that line will usually be our first line, occasionally they need to be broken up and this is one of those occasions.)

As always with Gabby, the lines will be fluid. If Knubs doesn’t show up tomorrow, he’ll move. If Chimmie doesn’t connect on the second, he’ll move.

I was surprised when I saw these lines. Then I was pretty happy with the balance after I thought about it. There is only one problem that I see. With the emergence of Backstrom lately as such an offensive force, he is going to see less ice time on the second line just by the fact that Ovechkin takes such long shifts. There just isn’t enough ice time for everyone.

I suppose that the silver lining might be that with such good balance, and such offensive capability on the second line, maybe BB will actually enforce some rules about shift length and keep Ovechkin on a little bit of a leash. I would actually love to see #8’s time on ice drop a couple of minutes a game, shorter shift lengths, and more energy.

Chimera has got to be feeling pretty happy about the trade right about now. Better team, better linemates, and if these lines hold more ice.

that against San Jose, if he’s gonna match top lines, he’s wants a first line that is more defensively responsible and a second line with a little more scoring. I expect this to change for LA and not just because of Bruce being Bruce about switching lines around

Those lines sure did not work. Bruce went to a new combo vs LA which did not work either.

Plea for Bruce: Please restore Eric Fehr to the second line right wing position.