Matt Karash: Ultimately the best need to be the best

Matt,

Being unable to watch the games I cant comment on their play but to go off your question of splitting them up. How far down do we stick a 7 mil a year player? If Eric's D is bad and takes bad penalties we cant throw Ruutu with him and let him go out against the top line (although eric will play his best hockey against top lines).

Tlusty-Staal-Lindholm
Skins-Staal-Semin
Ruutu-Nash-Dwyer/Gerbe

I guess that's I would go. Skins is kind of tough as he hasn't had much chemistry with either Staal. And we cant stick Lindholm and Skins on the same line as they both would be taking hits and their linemate cant protect both.

Matt, I think you are spot on. My opinion is Staal and Semin need to click and become like Datsyuk and Zetterberg. This is the second go around for Staal and Semin and like year 10? (need a wings fan to clarify) for Datsyuk and Zetterberg. They are dominant together year after year, and also solid when put on separate lines. I realize that this is not the best comparison because Datsyuk is hands down the best 2 way player in the league and Zetterberg is also a notable 2 way player. Staal and Semin are way too offensive leaning and not enough 2 way. The struggles with Staal and Semin go beyond the two of them as the 3rd line member has been invisible all season. Tlusty has played the wing the most so far and is really struggling. Bowman was moved up for a few shifts during several games, that didn't really pan out. Ruutu was put up there for a game or two... same result. They need to find some chemistry with a line mate or need to find chemistry with other guys on separate lines.

Skins-Staal-Semin

Problem solved fantasy wise, lol

Is Skinner playing tonite?