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Bruins Playoff Line-Up Idea

Created by: ON3M4N
Team: 2019-20 Boston Bruins
Initial Creation Date: May 27, 2020
Published: May 27, 2020
Salary Cap Mode: Basic
Description
Slightly different look for a playoff line-up.

1st line - Status quo

2nd line - Yes Coyle is a better Center than RW, however some of Krejci's best possession and advanced numbers have come playing with Coyle at 5v5. While being a "better center", Coyle is also a good and effective RW. To be honest having DeBrusk on the LW wasn't my first choice, but DeBrusk has played with both guys and they had decent number in the 50 minutes they played together at 5v5

3rd line - My initial idea was to roll DeBrusk - Studnicka - Bjork as Studs and Bjork played together a bit in Providence (albeit brief) and DeBrusk/Bjork's possession/advanced numbers look to be better when they play together. However this would have forced Kase to play his off-wing which he has never done, so that foiled that plan. The third line ends up being interesting though. All 3 guys are 200ft players, good skaters and can be a nuisance to teams trying to break out of their own zone. It could actually be a surprising line if they click offensively.

4th line - Pretty status quo, but Ritchie moves down for a heavy 4th line that can play physical

Defense/Goaltending - status quo
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DraftRound 1Round 2Round 3Round 4Round 5Round 6Round 7
2020
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2021
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2022
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ROSTER SIZESALARY CAPCAP HITOVERAGES TooltipBONUSESCAP SPACE
30$81,500,000$80,884,759$0$3,252,500$615,241
Left WingCentreRight Wing
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$6,125,000$6,125,000
LW
NMC
UFA - 6
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$6,875,000$6,875,000
C
NMC
UFA - 3
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$6,666,667$6,666,667
RW
UFA - 4
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$863,333$863,333 (Performance Bonus$450,000$450K)
RW, LW
UFA - 1
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$7,250,000$7,250,000
C
M-NTC
UFA - 2
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$3,200,000$3,200,000
C, RW
UFA - 1
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$925,000$925,000 (Performance Bonus$212,500$212K)
LW, RW
UFA - 1
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$769,167$769,167 (Performance Bonus$117,500$118K)
RW, C
RFA - 3
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$2,600,000$2,600,000
RW
UFA - 2
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$1,498,925$1,498,925
LW
UFA - 2
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$1,275,000$1,275,000
C, LW
UFA - 2
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$1,250,000$1,250,000
RW, C
UFA - 1
Left DefenseRight DefenseGoaltender
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$2,000,000$2,000,000 (Performance Bonus$1,750,000$2M)
LD
NMC
UFA - 1
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$4,900,000$4,900,000
RD
UFA - 3
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$7,000,000$7,000,000
G
M-NTC
UFA - 2
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$5,250,000$5,250,000
LD
M-NTC
UFA - 1
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$2,850,000$2,850,000
RD
UFA - 2
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$2,750,000$2,750,000
G
UFA - 1
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$1,400,000$1,400,000
LD
UFA - 1
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$728,333$728,333 (Performance Bonus$132,500$132K)
G
UFA - 1
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$747,500$747,500 (Performance Bonus$57,500$58K)
LD/RD
UFA - 1
ScratchesInjured Reserve (IR)Long Term IR (LTIR)
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$1,000,000$1,000,000
LW, RW
UFA - 1
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$2,500,000$2,500,000
RD
UFA - 1
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$925,000$925,000 (Performance Bonus$212,500$212K)
LW, RW
UFA - 2
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$800,000$800,000
RD
UFA - 2
Logo of the Boston Bruins
$725,000$725,000 (Performance Bonus$20,000$20K)
RD
UFA - 1
Logo of the Boston Bruins
$2,750,000$2,750,000
LD
UFA - 4
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$850,000$850,000
LW, C
UFA - 2
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$700,000$700,000
LW, RW
UFA - 2
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$894,167$894,167 (Performance Bonus$300,000$300K)
LD/RD
RFA - 3
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$750,000$750,000
RW
UFA - 1

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May 27, 2020 at 11:32 a.m.
#1
Bahston Brewins
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don't fix what isn't broken. However, JD looked solid with Coyle. But keep the roster that was winning games. Studnicka has no business playing in the playoffs. Coyle is the third line center because the center depth is what helps you make a run
May 27, 2020 at 12:12 p.m.
#2
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Quoting: nalzugaray12
don't fix what isn't broken. However, JD looked solid with Coyle. But keep the roster that was winning games. Studnicka has no business playing in the playoffs. Coyle is the third line center because the center depth is what helps you make a run


Problem is you need to make the 2nd line more impactful. The 2nd line center is Krejci, so give him wingers that he can be successful with...enter Coyle. I think Studnicka is more than capable of playing a 3rd line role. He was 12th in scoring this year in the AHL as a rookie (3rd in scoring among rookies) and led the AHL in short handed goals. Many expect his time in the AHL is done he'll be in the NHL next season. If it doesn't seem to be working during the round robin, you can always switch things up and move Coyle back down. At the end of the day though, I don't see Studnicka hurting your center depth, in fact he's probably better defensively than Coyle and your center depth with Studnicka vs Coyle is a wash.
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May 27, 2020 at 12:34 p.m.
#3
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I'm all for it, I like the way the line up looks. The only thing that would concern me is Bjork/Stud/Kase lack of playoff experience. Plenty of leadership else where to guide the kids on that line. Pretty much the only thing I can say about that line up. In terms of that being the lineup next season (pending on a Krug extension) this will be a fun line up to watch for the 2020-21 season if it doesnt happen during these playoffs
May 27, 2020 at 12:49 p.m.
#4
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Quoting: ngikas
I'm all for it, I like the way the line up looks. The only thing that would concern me is Bjork/Stud/Kase lack of playoff experience. Plenty of leadership else where to guide the kids on that line. Pretty much the only thing I can say about that line up. In terms of that being the lineup next season (pending on a Krug extension) this will be a fun line up to watch for the 2020-21 season if it doesnt happen during these playoffs


Ya I have the same concern with the third line, but there is so much flexibility with some of these guys that you could move guys around if need be.
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May 27, 2020 at 12:52 p.m.
#5
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Quoting: ON3M4N
Ya I have the same concern with the third line, but there is so much flexibility with some of these guys that you could move guys around if need be.


Completely agree. This lineup kind of reminds me of how when they plugged in Seguin back in 2011, obviously for different circumstances (Bergy injury) and Seguins potential/readiness was different but similar vibe to it for me at least.
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May 27, 2020 at 1:40 p.m.
#6
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Quoting: ngikas
Completely agree. This lineup kind of reminds me of how when they plugged in Seguin back in 2011, obviously for different circumstances (Bergy injury) and Seguins potential/readiness was different but similar vibe to it for me at least.


Ya I'm torn with the round robin. Part of me says roll out some different looks and see whose ready go and see if one of the kids can earn a spot. On the flip side you want to have the best seed possible as you'd probably want to avoid a team like PIT in your opening series. Would you really want to be tinkering during the round robin...probably not.
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May 27, 2020 at 2:01 p.m.
#7
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Quoting: ON3M4N
Ya I'm torn with the round robin. Part of me says roll out some different looks and see whose ready go and see if one of the kids can earn a spot. On the flip side you want to have the best seed possible as you'd probably want to avoid a team like PIT in your opening series. Would you really want to be tinkering during the round robin...probably not.


At least they'll get to have a chance to see how it looks in camp come july. Cassidy isnt afraid of making a bold decision. I could see Studnicka maybe beating out Kase for the RW2 slot potentially if they want to keep Coyle at C3. Theres a few variations they could experiment with. Not a bad problem to have whatsoever.
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May 27, 2020 at 2:13 p.m.
#8
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@bhavikp27 thoughts?
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May 27, 2020 at 2:27 p.m.
#9
GM CRIME DAWG
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Like the look and as you say it can be switched up (in reality guess what, the coaches will anyways).
No problem w/ the Rook in Stud getting a shot. I recall McAvoy's debut w/ the team was in the playoffs right? Sometimes the unknown player can be an x-factor too as the other team doesn't have as big a "book" on them for the opposing coaches smothering tactics...
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May 27, 2020 at 2:35 p.m.
#10
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Quoting: ON3M4N
@bhavikp27 thoughts?


I'm not sure for Studnicka. Would prefer playing him next year. He would get experience and wouldn't look bad but the B's can't make any mistake and they won't have many opportunities with this core so rather have established players and use similar lineup than they had at the pause. And confident that Kase will be a good 2nd liner.

Obviously, need to have that secondary scoring and if 74-46-Kase isn't a good fit and you need to move up Coyle, do it. But rather have DeBrusk-Krejci-Kase and Ritchie/Bjork-Coyle-Bjork/Kuhlman.

Maybe it's just me, wanna play it safe and Studnicka could also come up big... can go either side
Let's see what Cassidy does
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May 27, 2020 at 3:10 p.m.
#11
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Quoting: bhavikp27
I'm not sure for Studnicka. Would prefer playing him next year. He would get experience and wouldn't look bad but the B's can't make any mistake and they won't have many opportunities with this core so rather have established players and use similar lineup than they had at the pause. And confident that Kase will be a good 2nd liner.

Obviously, need to have that secondary scoring and if 74-46-Kase isn't a good fit and you need to move up Coyle, do it. But rather have DeBrusk-Krejci-Kase and Ritchie/Bjork-Coyle-Bjork/Kuhlman.

Maybe it's just me, wanna play it safe and Studnicka could also come up big... can go either side
Let's see what Cassidy does


My concern with DeBrusk-Krejci-Kase is they have next to no time as a unit. In total at 5v5 it looks like they played under 4 minutes together. Before the break, it was Ritchie-Krejci-Kase and they were not very good in their stint together. That left a 3rd line of DeBrusk-Coyle-Bjork, which was pretty solid by advanced stats. The problem comes with create a productive line around Krejci, which is why I moved Coyle to RW.

Looking at the top line advanced #'s vs a trio of 74-46-13, they are actually close. Now the 2nd group doesn't have nearly the TOI together, but the numbers are strong. To keep it simple I'm just going to call the Bergy line L1 and Krejci/DeBrusk/Coyle L2:

CF%
L1 - 58.6%
L2 - 58.4%

SF%
L1 - 59.9%
L2 - 54.6%

GF%
L1 - 65.1%
L2 - 50.0%

SCF%
L1 - 58.3%
L2 - 59.0%

HDCF%
L1 - 55.5%
L2 - 61.1%

Now I'm not saying that those 3 together would be as good as the Bergeron line (wouldn't be close lol), but they can generate good chances and just need to cash in.
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May 27, 2020 at 7:23 p.m.
#12
Bcarlo25
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They traded for Kase for a reason, and it certainly wasn’t with a Kase, Studnicka, Bjork line in mind. This is the kind of lineup I could see if they lose the first two games of a seven game series, at home, and need some energy.
May 27, 2020 at 7:49 p.m.
#13
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Quoting: Bcarlo25
They traded for Kase for a reason, and it certainly wasn’t with a Kase, Studnicka, Bjork line in mind. This is the kind of lineup I could see if they lose the first two games of a seven game series, at home, and need some energy.


I would agree, but he didn't look great with Krejci and the line w/ Ritchie on the left side was equally ineffective. He's not going to play with Bergeron because they wont break-up the 1st line and he didn't look good with Krejci, so what do you do?
May 27, 2020 at 8:35 p.m.
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who would u have as ur 18th forward. Seny or brett ritchie?
May 27, 2020 at 8:43 p.m.
#15
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Quoting: KennyBoi
who would u have as ur 18th forward. Seny or brett ritchie?


Seny for me. Brett has no future with the team and Seny actually looked decent in a 3rd line role before he got injured. Full disclosure though I'm higher than most on Senyshyn and still think he could be a solid NHL player.
May 27, 2020 at 8:49 p.m.
#16
GM CRIME DAWG
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Quoting: KennyBoi
who would u have as ur 18th forward. Seny or brett ritchie?


Seny...
May 27, 2020 at 9:01 p.m.
#17
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Quoting: Bcarlo25
They traded for Kase for a reason, and it certainly wasn’t with a Kase, Studnicka, Bjork line in mind. This is the kind of lineup I could see if they lose the first two games of a seven game series, at home, and need some energy.


Quoting: ON3M4N
I would agree, but he didn't look great with Krejci and the line w/ Ritchie on the left side was equally ineffective. He's not going to play with Bergeron because they wont break-up the 1st line and he didn't look good with Krejci, so what do you do?

In spite of the new "look" lineup suggestion OR it's likely a result of being "down-2", do you think:
a) the top-6 looks pretty solid really and should be able to fill the playoff net(?), and
b) the bottom-6 is basically speedy and determined/dogged enough to cause "Merlot-esque" havoc for the opponent - then "rinse-repeat" w/ lines 1/2...?
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May 28, 2020 at 12:33 a.m.
#18
Bcarlo25
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Quoting: ON3M4N
I would agree, but he didn't look great with Krejci and the line w/ Ritchie on the left side was equally ineffective. He's not going to play with Bergeron because they wont break-up the 1st line and he didn't look good with Krejci, so what do you do?


Saying that Kase hasn’t looked good with Krejci is like saying Brady is 0-1 in Florida. It was a freaking golf match and Kase has played under 80 minutes at 5 on 5 for boston. Bit quick to rush to judgement in my opinion
May 28, 2020 at 7:00 a.m.
#19
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Quoting: Bcarlo25
Saying that Kase hasn’t looked good with Krejci is like saying Brady is 0-1 in Florida. It was a freaking golf match and Kase has played under 80 minutes at 5 on 5 for boston. Bit quick to rush to judgement in my opinion


That's a fair point, but its all we have to go on isn't it? Maybe they'll look better together in the post season, but between their limited time together and the hockey break I wouldn't expect them to look any better now. Time will tell. Id love to see him work play to his potential and show why Boston traded for him.
May 28, 2020 at 9:45 a.m.
#20
Bcarlo25
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Quoting: ON3M4N
That's a fair point, but its all we have to go on isn't it? Maybe they'll look better together in the post season, but between their limited time together and the hockey break I wouldn't expect them to look any better now. Time will tell. Id love to see him work play to his potential and show why Boston traded for him.


I think there is a larger sample size showing that this team is more effective with coyle at 3C. I wouldn’t look to reinvent the wheel unless there is a real reason to.
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May 28, 2020 at 10:31 a.m.
#21
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Quoting: Bcarlo25
I think there is a larger sample size showing that this team is more effective with coyle at 3C. I wouldn’t look to reinvent the wheel unless there is a real reason to.


See and I think Studnicka is more than capable of being a good #3C with his skillset and won't hurt you. This allows Coyle to slide up, making a stronger L2. Next year either Coyle/Studnicka are moving to RW. Based on management comments about Studnicka only making the team as a center and their unwillingness to give him a look at RW this season, i have to think Coyle is the guy. If that's the case, why not get a look now?

At the end of the day I don't think my line-up happens. I fully expect the same line-up we had before the break. I just wanted to provide a different look that would give a stronger #2 line without sacrifice for the #3C role.
May 28, 2020 at 12:58 p.m.
#22
Bahston Brewins
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Quoting: ON3M4N
Problem is you need to make the 2nd line more impactful. The 2nd line center is Krejci, so give him wingers that he can be successful with...enter Coyle. I think Studnicka is more than capable of playing a 3rd line role. He was 12th in scoring this year in the AHL as a rookie (3rd in scoring among rookies) and led the AHL in short handed goals. Many expect his time in the AHL is done he'll be in the NHL next season. If it doesn't seem to be working during the round robin, you can always switch things up and move Coyle back down. At the end of the day though, I don't see Studnicka hurting your center depth, in fact he's probably better defensively than Coyle and your center depth with Studnicka vs Coyle is a wash.


I don't think Studnicka, who has 2 NHL games experienced, should be playing. Bruins are trying to win now. An inexperienced player shouldn't be in the lineup over guys who have the experience. Besides, it is not like Coyle looked any better at RW. Coyle needs to play center, he makes the third line have great depth. Also, not a chance you can convince me Studnicka is better defensively than Coyle. Coyle was killing penalties on the second unit and was looking like a monster on that unit. All im saying is: we're all excited for Stunicka. But there is absolutely 0 need to rush him into this lineup. Call him up for practices, but he shouldn't play unless he absolutely has to. You play Studnicka next season and go from there.
May 28, 2020 at 2:02 p.m.
#23
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Quoting: nalzugaray12
I don't think Studnicka, who has 2 NHL games experienced, should be playing. Bruins are trying to win now. An inexperienced player shouldn't be in the lineup over guys who have the experience.


Charlie McAvoy had zero NHL experience and played 26 minutes a night when he debuted in the playoffs. Studnicka also would be taking Nordstrom's roster spot and lets be honest, that's not a huge loss.

Quote:
Besides, it is not like Coyle looked any better at RW. Coyle needs to play center, he makes the third line have great depth.


Its about making the 2nd line better and the overall team better. I'm not sold on a line of Ritchie/Krejci/Kase and while the sample size is small, they played nearly identical time together as DeBrusk/Krejci/Coyle. The advanced stats between the two are night and day:

CF%
NR/OK: 48.1%
JD/CC: 50.8%

SF%
NR/OK: 45.8%
JD/CC: 54.6%

xGF%
NR/OK: 42.8%
JD/CC: 62.8%

SCF%
NR/OK: 53.9%
JD/CC: 59.0%

HDCF%
NR/OK: 40.0%
JD/CC: 61.1%

I'm also of the thought that having Studnicka at your #3C doesn't hurt your depth, which lead to your next point....

Quote:
Also, not a chance you can convince me Studnicka is better defensively than Coyle. Coyle was killing penalties on the second unit and was looking like a monster on that unit.


Coyle was 7th among B's forwards in SH TOI and averaged 54 seconds of SH TOI per game. If he was "a monster" he'd be in the top 4 among forwards. As for Studnicka, I'm lucky enough to have 4 AHL teams within a few hours of me and two of them within 30 minutes of my house, so I get to see a lot of games. Studnicka right now is on par/if not better than Coyle defensively and is a threat offensively (led the AHL in SHG). I've seen the kid play quiet a bit this year in person, have you?

Quote:
All im saying is: we're all excited for Stunicka. But there is absolutely 0 need to rush him into this lineup. Call him up for practices, but he shouldn't play unless he absolutely has to. You play Studnicka next season and go from there.


You put your team in the best situation to win a cup now, like you said we're in win now mode. Studnicka is an upgrade over Nordstrom and DeBrusk/Coyle w/ Krejci is an upgrade over Ritchie/Kase w/ Krejci.
May 28, 2020 at 2:44 p.m.
#24
Bcarlo25
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Quoting: ON3M4N
See and I think Studnicka is more than capable of being a good #3C with his skillset and won't hurt you. This allows Coyle to slide up, making a stronger L2. Next year either Coyle/Studnicka are moving to RW. Based on management comments about Studnicka only making the team as a center and their unwillingness to give him a look at RW this season, i have to think Coyle is the guy. If that's the case, why not get a look now?

At the end of the day I don't think my line-up happens. I fully expect the same line-up we had before the break. I just wanted to provide a different look that would give a stronger #2 line without sacrifice for the #3C role.


This team ran away with the presidents trophy. Maybe don’t majorly mess with the structure of the lineup to incorporate a rookie.
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May 28, 2020 at 3:05 p.m.
#25
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Quoting: Bcarlo25
This team ran away with the presidents trophy. Maybe don’t majorly mess with the structure of the lineup to incorporate a rookie.


Are you really "majorly" messing with the structure of the line-up though? If Coyle/DeBrusk had the same TOI w/ Krejci at 5v5 as Kase/Ritchie then really where is the major structure changing? Better yet what are you going to do next season when Studnicka is expected to make the team and everything so far points to Boston wanting him at center? If Studnicka is good enough for a #3C role in October, why isn't he good enough now? If I read the report right, training camps could open mid-July with the qualifiers and first two round finishing about a month after. So you're looking at mid to late August with the conference finals and SCF still to go. You could be playing the SCF in September with the 2021 season kicking off shortly after.

Again as I said in my previous post, I expect the lines to be exactly the same as they were before the break. The only argument I've seen against the lines I proposed is Coyle plays better as a center (I don't disagree, but the idea here was to make the 2nd line better) and Studnicka's limited experience. You look at 2020-2021 rosters and every Bruins fan is saying Studnicka is a lock to make the club, but for some reason he's not good enough a few months before the new season to even be a thought on the starting line-up.

BTW we traded for a pair of top 9 guys while already being the best team in the NHL standings, thus majorly messing with the structure of the lineup. Why? because we wanted to try and make our team better. If you're telling me that this team isn't better with Studnicka over Nordstrom, then the kid should be a consideration for the roster next year.
 
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