Hall-McDavid-Purcell
Very excited to see Hall and McDavid together for the first time. I've been vocal in my complete distaste for Purcell and how he plays. He's too slow for this line in my opinion. A player like Pitlick, if he could stay healthy, would work a lot better on this line. Very fast, physical, and loves going into corners.
Draisaitl-Lander-Yakupov
Another interesting one. I have a feeling we see Purcell and Yakupov switch lines at some point this game. Purcell would work a lot better on this line where Draisaitl will be slowing things down. Yakupov goes full speed at all time but I am very interested to see how this line performs.
Hamilton-Miller-Pitlick
Only interesting player for me on this line is Pitlick. Hamilton and Miller shouldn't be making our NHL roster at any point in the future but Pitlick has always had that wildcard factor. We saw how Virtanen played in the young stars tournament. These are similar players, and if Pitlick can stay healthy, he could be a great addition to this team. Here's to hoping.
Gazdic-Winquist-Ford
I don't like how they put Winquist with these two. Winquist showed he's an offensive player in the AHL last year and they've got him playing with Gazdic and Ford. Ford put up decent points last year but he's 30 years old. Gazdic is in the lineup to protect. I don't see this line doing much of anything.
Defencemen:
Sekera-Fayne
Can't wait to see this pair. Two very simple players. This will be our #1 pair all season. Nothing spectacular but they will be solid. An ideal 2nd pairing on playoff teams.
Ference-Nikitin
Can't wait to see this line too, but for completely opposite reasons. The ****show that will ensue watching these two fumble around in their own zone and get hemmed in by tryout players will be hilarious. Nikitin has no future in the NHL. Most people seem to forget he was getting healthy scratched in Columbus before we decided to pick him up as a reclamation project. Ference will be our #7 this year, maybe #8 and will be playing half the games.
Davidson/Hunt-Oesterle
I love Davidson and Oesterle. Both good players who can show their stuff tonight. Unfortunately, our NHL D is already set in my opinion.
Goaltenders:
Talbot
Laurikainen
I've never watched Talbot play. Laurikainen looked good in the young stars games. Should be a fun night.