Day two of training camp is underway and for the first time this season, the Ottawa Senators are on the ice. On-ice testing is the focus of today’s activities and this weekend, the team will begin their preparations for the season ahead.
Paul MacLean hasn’t had a chance to put together his line combinations yet but the second guessing is already under way. At least in my head, anyway. As we learned last year, MacLean won’t hesitate when it comes to juggling his forward combinations but it always ends up being one of the most talked about topics once the season starts.
So let’s get a head start on that conversation today and look at some of the combinations available to Coach MacLean this season.
LINE 1
In speaking with the media yesterday, MacLean tipped his hand a little bit and suggested that he’ll go back to one of his favourite trios from last year to start the preseason. Clarke MacArthur on the left side, Kyle Turris in the middle and Bobby Ryan on the right side. They were one of the league’s best lines last season and seemed to have incredible chemistry any time they were on the ice. Always breaking out of their own end with speed and controlling the puck well in the neutral zone. Going back to this combination is a bit of a no brainer. The other option, and it worked well last year too, is to put Mark Stone on the right side with MacArthur and Turris. Stone may get a look up there but he’ll first have to lock down a spot on the team. We’ll stick with ol faithful.
MacArthur-Turris-Ryan
LINE 2
After the top line, it starts to get a little tricky. In many ways, I sort of expect a 2A/2B scenario with Zibanejad and Legwand’s lines getting pretty similar ice time. And then whichever centre is going better, will get the regular power play shift. Everything I hear about Zibanejad heading into this year’s camp suggests he’s a guy ready to take his game to the next level. More responsibility, more ice time, better wingers and in all likelihood, the title of second line centre. Picking the wingers on that line won’t be easy. A few guys will have a chance to earn the spot in training camp and throughout the preseason. Michalek, Hoffman and Greening the candidates on the left side. Stone, Chiasson and Lazar on the right. In the end, I suspect MacLean will want an experienced winger with Mika. MacLean likes “pairs” and then plugs another guy in. I think Michalek and Zibanejad will be one of his go-to pairs early.
Michalek-Zibanejad-Stone
LINE 3
Assuming line two and three end up with pretty similar ice time, the wingers on line two and three may end up being interchangeable. But MacLean still has to start somewhere. With a veteran centre like Legwand, I suspect the Coach would be willing to put a couple wingers with a little less experience. If Lazar is going to crack the line up to start the season, I suspect it would be skating alongside the veteran Legwand. But then what about Chiasson? Some tough decisions for MacLean to make right out of the block. I’d like to see Hoffman get a look on this line but he’s going to need to have a great preseason to solidify a regular spot in the top 12. If he doesn’t make the team, the Senators could lose him on waivers. I think they’ll find a spot for him.
Hoffman-Legwand-Chiasson
LINE 4
You’ll notice I’ve made it to line four and still no sign of Curtis Lazar. He’s probably going to be in the opening night line up and get those nine games but I honestly can’t figure out where he’s going to fit and which veteran is going to lose their spot. Hoffman and Stone are probably the most at risk but I really expect both of them to have great camps and earn spots. That makes line four a little confusing. I suspect MacLean goes back to ol’ faithful with the GSN line and hopefully just uses them more like a fourth line.
Greening-Smith-Neil
So there ya have it. My best guess at a line up on opening night. Erik Condra ends up as a healthy scratch which may be hard for some to believe but I just don’t see who loses their spot to make room for him. He would work well on that fourth line but would they really scratch Chris Neil for the opener? Can’t see it. Curtis Lazar is the obvious wild card here. If he has a good camp, they’ll make room for him and it probably comes at the expense of Stone or Hoffman.
MacArthur-Turris-Ryan
Michalek-Zibanejad-Stone
Hoffman-Legwand-Chiasson
Greening-Smith-Neil
Now tell me why I’m wrong in the comment section below!
