In an effort to generate a more offense, Head Coach Sheldon Keefe has shuffled the deck entering Wednesday night's matchup with Chicago. The Devils, who have scored just more than two goals twice in their last six tilts will move rookie phenom Arseny Gritsyuk and Dawson Mercer to the top line, while dropping Jesper Bratt to the second unit, making the line combos as follows:
- Gritsyuk-Hughes-Mercer
- Meier-Hischier-Bratt
- Palat-Glass-Noesen
- Cotter-Glendenning-MacEwen
I love the move by Keefe here for several reasons. First the confidence he's showing in Gritsyuk. Keefe had previously praised the young Russian's game, mentioning his comfortability with playing him in any situation. Gritsyuk has shown speed, confidence and great awareness in all three zones. A well earned opportunity in which he can really thrive and take another step forward. Next is the balance of speed. Any lineup combo where Palat and Noesen aren't in the top six for NJ is a win. Both of the aforementioned can benefit greatly playing a third line style that will be much more simplified, as opposed to trying to keep up with the Devils high octane top six. Lastly I feel either of these top two lines matchup well against Bedard. Ideally it will be Nico's line, but the Hawks do have the last change. With Bratt's speed to matching Bedard, not only can NJ thwart the high flying Hawk who has 18 points in his last 8 contests, but counter the other way with number 63's world class skating.
How do you feel about these lines? Comment below
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