Opie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 654
I think the best move for the long term is standing pat... that is to say, leave the kids in AHL, stay away from short term acquisitions, play the long game & take your lumps now. This team has fight in them and reinforcements are on the horizon (Wood & Smith's return ).
Based on your options ... #1 all the way for me.
I greatly dislike the idea of splitting up Tatar - Mercer- AJ, as they have been the teams best / most consistent line this season (imo).
The Zacha - Nico - Bratt combo has been fairly uninspiring these first three games, despite Hischier's first class effort. Regardless, given last year's performance, I'd prefer to stick it out with this combo for continuity sake. Hopefully, they get some better production. Side note, Hischier looks great to me after last year's injury riddled season.
Now it gets dicey ... despite his early gaff over skating the play on Caps first goal, McLeod looks ready for a greater role. Seems natural to me to put him in the middle of Kuokkanen & Sharangovich, who I'd also keep together for continuity sake. Some close calls for Sharangovich and a goal from Kuokkanen tonight, but these two haven't started as strong as I would have hoped. Maybe McLeod's energy & physical play sparks them a bit.
Fourth line, I think it's mix to match the opposition... I dont see an ideal combination, but they just have to suck it up & deal with it until Hughes returns. Vesey has been far better then I expected. If you get Wood back soon, Wood - Gauthier - Vesey could be an acceptable hold. I dont think Boqvist has a role here or anywhere in NJ at the moment.
To state the obvious, Nico, Mercer & McLeod have to stay healthy for NJ to weather the storm.