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First Look at Training Camp Lines |
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With training camp commencing today in Las Vegas, here is a first look at the lines DeBoer has chosen to practice together as.
With training camp commencing today in Las Vegas, here is a first look at the lines DeBoer has chosen to practice together as.
Forwards:
Pacioretty-Stephenson-Stone
Marchessault-Karlsson-Smith
Janmark-Patrick-Dadonov
Carrier-Roy-Kolesar
Krebs-Howden-Elvenes
The bottom half is most interesting here. Patrick will start with plenty of support. Janmark is a fixture along the boards and will be the most consistent presence on that line. Putting two players in need of a rebound season this year on the same line will pose a risk, but Patrick’s presence on the third line is an indicator that DeBoer will be giving him opportunities this year.
Krebs starting on left wing is also interesting. He has played primarily center in his looks with the Golden Knights. Howden is a natural center as well, but given the expectations the organization has for Krebs, it is a bit of a head scratcher. While I have been a fan of Howden’s game in the past, his season last year was disappointing. It’s too early to pass judgement, but that line is a head scratcher.
Expect a big year out of Carrier-Roy-Kolesar. Kolesar had brutal luck last season. It felt like every second game he hit a post. Roy showed how good he really is last post-season. He was an absolute beast stepping onto the first line when Stephenson got injured. He looked like the Golden Knights’ best player in the last few games against the Canadiens.
Defence:
Martinez-Pietrangelo
McNabb-Theodore
Hague-Whitecloud
Not many surprises here. With the Olympics putting a heavier workload on the top of the roster and GM Kelly McCrimmon running a cap situation that will severely limit the amount of call-ups the Golden Knights can make, expect Whitecloud and Hague to get more special teams time as the season progresses.
Final Thoughts:
Injuries add up when a team perennially gets beyond the second round. This lineup will likely be slightly different when the season begins, but any substantial change to these lines will likely involve either injuries or Krebs playing his way up the lineup.
What changes would you make to this lineup?
Thanks for reading,
Trevor Neufeld