We need people who have played in the league for awhile and are used to the daily rigors of the NHL to play with the young guys. Horvat had a successful first year, but I think he might still need a veteran on his line. We need to make sure these guys are as comfortable going on the ice as possible, that they're not going to be pushed around or taken advantage of. Horvat probably won't need that support as much as McCann or Baertschi, but it can't hurt him to play with someone like that. That's why Vrbata is with Baertschi, to teach him how to score. Prust will be with Virtanen so that if Virtanen gets in over his head physically, he has a guy there to back him up. Dorsett will be there to watch over McCann. Yes, this might not be the most offensive lineup ever, but that's not what we're after this season. We are trying to transition into our new core while remaining competitive. This will be true for the next 2-3 years.5thhorseman wrote:Horvat already provides a vet-like presence, i.e. defensive responsibility, on the second line. I like the looks of this as well. The fourth line kinda is kinda like a Momesso-Ronning-Sandlak combo.
Once the new core is in (Horvat, McCann, Shinkaurik, Boeser, Virtanen all playing prominent roles), and they can fight for themselves, that's when we should be comfortable playing three of those guys on a line.
Unless they show that they are REALLY ready for more responsibility, (which I am not opposed to, I just don't really see management buying into it this year), this is how it will be in my opinion.