I get it and maybe that could work, but typically it's net negative all things considered having a superstar on the third line (Crosby aside).
Nevertheless it feels like overthinking it to not build the forward lines around Matty and Willy winning important games for us.
We might be better off with a Provorov than a Granlund. Take last year's playoffs as a blueprint for what we're working with - remove crippling injuries, replace a good d corps with a good d corps that can move the puck (OEL and Tanev already in), and no Keefe/Sammy.
The reason for putting Nylander, Matthews and Marner on different lines is none of the big 3 have that great of chemistry together. I mean, It’s not like any of them are lighting the league up playing together.
Matthews and Marner seem too predictable, with Marner often deferring instead of being assertive.
Nylander and Marner haven’t been tried because they're both right wingers, and the team has never shown a willingness to move one of them to the left wing.
Nylander and Matthews have probably been the best pair, but nothing exceptional that would make me want to keep them together long-term. Although I’m open to trying it again.
But if all three were truly elite when playing together and had good chemistry then I would say play them together, but I just don’t see any exceptional chemistry between any of them. So having one on each line makes sense to me and they can all drive their own line.
It’s not the recipe for most other teams but I think it’s the best path for this unique team.
