You guys should actually read the article.
I did. Still don't get what's surprising.
The 4th line when healthy should be Skille - Letestu - and I guess Boll, maybe Tropp.
The 3rd line when healthy should be something like Calvert - Anisimov - Jenner.
There's been no consistency game to game because there's been so many injuries. Michael Chaput is not a bottom line guy - at least he hasn't played that role his whole career.
Dano and Wennberg don't project to be bottom 6 forwards. Projected 3rd and 4th liners are playing up in the lineup. Guys who aren't slotted to play in the bottom 6 are suddenly filling in those positions. The entire 3rd line tonight should either be in Springfield or on the 4th line.
I don't get the surprise. Outside of Boll, guys are playing new positions, new minutes, new roles. Richards has a vision of the 4th line in particular being an "energy" line, checking hard, etc. Well the replacements aren't all Blake Comeau's and DMac's in waiting.
I think DBJ did a much better job of detailing WHY/HOW it's been different this year, with some love for Mackenzie.
http://darkbluejacket.blogspot.com/2014/11/why-cbj-misses-derek-mackenzie.html