Do you guys think Smith is done and buried forever in Hartford? I dont. If I am he, i bust my ass to get back to that Smitty guy that played like an animal in the PO's. If he does, that would present a very good and viable option defensively. Without Smith in the equation, Marc becomes that much more a necessity. Who knows, we may even have Hajek as another candidate. I believe he will surpass anyone of the 3 we already been talking about.
Skeji/Pionk
Smith/Shatty
Hajek/ADA/Staal/Gilmour
If anyone of the 3 (not named Marc) on the 3rd pairing proves they could be on the 2nd, then i would drop Shatty down to pair with Marc and just give the remaining kids more time. I'd keep ADA around as 7th, spelling Marc against lesser opponents.
Of course this is based on Smitty coming back with a vengeance. Okay, go ahead......rip me.