4 lines 3 pairs

small potatoes here....but I'd put Blais on 3rd line. He has the speed to keep up with Chytil and Krav. Also adds some punch to that line and he has some decent hands. Then on 4th line split time between Vesey/Goodrow/Reaves and Hunt/Goodrow/Carpenter.

This is the correct take. As we saw last night, Vesey (and Goodrow) just doesnt have the wheels to keep up with Chytil.

Chytil is looking like he did in last year's playoffs...but he needs to play with players that can keep up with him. Goodrow and Vesey will only serve as anchors to his game. If Blais doesn't work out (or Krav) then this is what they will need to improve by TDL. If needed, a 3rd liner to fit this role shouldn't be too costly. I'd even reconsider Gautier- depending how he fares in Hartford. Don't know if they'd reconsider Othmann after he turns 20 in January- his ELC sliding one more year might be more valuable in the bigger CAP picture.

Agree Vesey and Goodrow are anchors. Gaut doesnt have the hockey IQ or finishing ability. Getting Patrick Kane would sure help as he would slide into the top 6 forcing down Kakko or Laffy to be with Chytil. Othmann cannot be recalled during the regular season since he was assigned to juniors during his age 19 season (missed the cutoff by 5 days).

NYR need Othmann's ELC to slide again anyway...and even if they could utilize him to address 3rd line issues- that would be unfair to put a rookie in that position. I've made numerous posts as to why getting Kane would be a bad idea- so I wont repeat here. For now can only hope they build on their good start- and if Blais and/or Krav can't hang, we'll see which teams disappoint this year- who might be looking to deal players that NYR could use on 3rd line.