I don't see how Arniel suddenly pivots to Kupari as the 2C when he identified him as a bottom six forward. I've seen a little bit of chemistry between Namestnikov and Ehlers early in the season, quick passes between them, but nothing like the preseason chemistry.
That's where I wonder how Arniel deals with Perfetti's slump. Do you let him play out of it? Do you switch him in the lineup, maybe with Vilardi? Do you bring Lambert in? I think this might be the only season that Brad Lambert gets to play on the same team as Ehlers, and there is a big difference between Ehlers, and Toninato/AJF, in the development of a player. Iafallo moved up the lineup first last year, will it be the same this year? Game has been pretty consistent and productive in terms of zone possession times, at least to my eyes.
Yeah, while I see it as an intriguing thing to try, I think Kupari will have to start making good on his chances with some consistency to even have it enter Arniels head, and then, it might be tough to make that change because that will mean the 4th line is probably winning thier matchups consistently.
A 3-0 start has given the second line a bit more rope to figure it out. I do think Perfetti showed a couple of signs of getting up to speed last game, but I really do wonder if 27's chaotic game is going to work with the cerebral 91.
I do wonder if Ehlers might work with Connor simply due to the fact that Ehlers might be able to get the puck to Connor, who's world class release and accuracy could convert those passes. I'd worry about having Vilardi with Perfetti and Namestnikov due to speed issues and zone entries, though I think Names is pretty good at that.
The one thing that scares me about 81 55 27 as a line is there's a lot of potential for that to be a line that absolutely bleeds chances against.
I don't really love our top 6 makeup, I think a big 2C that could forecheck and win board battles would be a win there. God I wish Vilardi would convert to C on that line but again, speed would be a concern.
