I think Lavi has been doing this team a massive disservice constantly putting the lines in a blender. Let these guys get in a rhythm. The first game we looked fantastic. The D pairings looked strong.
Miller Fox
Schneider Tuba
Jones Mancini
Then the 4th line gets off to a hot start, first goal of the season right when the game starts. Brodz makes a beautiful seam pass from the corner to the opposite point, Carrick deflects Tuba's shot. Tremendous. For zero reason Lavi has to f*** with that line the next game to get Rempe in the home opener. They play less than 5 minutes that game. We lose
We go back to the original line up the next 2 games against Detroit. Mancini notches a goal in the first one and a goal and an assist the 2nd one.
Playing great, not sure why you'd mess with it. Lets be frank, the players on the sidelines are not particularly important enough to "keep fresh" this early by replacing better players for the sake of getting them in. Rempe should be getting minutes in the AHL. The next game in Toronto Lavi takes out Brodz and Jones, inserts Rempe and Ruhwedel. They stomp Montreal out the next game. Brodz and Lindgren inserted back into the lineup. No Zach again. Johnny B scores a goal. They're winning, so no harm no foul yet I suppose. The following game against Florida, no Zach again. Can't score. Next game is Anaheim. Mancini comes out, for reasons. Jones back in, Lindgren stays (of course). Washington next. Jones back out. Rempe back in the line-up, plays 5 minutes. Schneider and Mancini played the least minutes and were the only D that were a plus rating.
So just to clarify this hodgepodge... arguably the best this roster has looked was with the below configuration.
Panarin Tro Laf
Cuylle Chytil Kakko
Kreider Mika Smith
Edström Carrick Brodz
K'Andre Fox
Schneider Tuba
Jones Mancini
And for whatever reason Lavi continues to f*** with it. I don't mind getting a guy in here and there but it's the beginning of the season. Let them find their game, get in a rhythm. I don't like how early he's been playing with the lineup while we were having success with it. I almost feel we're at a moneyball thing here where Drury should trade Lindgren just so we can ice the the best roster. For years this team was awful to league average at 5v5, having players on the back end that are savvy with the puck could help there. We need to see what we have in Jones. Aside from the passing ability, he creates so much chaos in the O-Zone from his mobility. He has zero issues getting involved, skating freely in their zone... I love it. Play him the year, if we need a bigger, more physical player come playoff time so be it. But for now he should be playing.