Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland was aggressive at the trade deadline, bolstering the team's forward depth by acquiring Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle. Along with the additions of Jack Drury, Jimmy Vesey, and the Miles Wood returning from injury, the Avalanche finally have real forward depth.
This wealth of depth creates another interesting opportunity for Jared Bednar, who has expressed the need to experiment with the forward lines during the final games of the regular season. I think this is a great time to try this move as the Avs are likely to finish third in the Central and face the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs.
The Avalanche have a clear and obvious set of four lines. The top six consists of Nathan MacKinnon at 1C and Brock Nelson at 2C, with any combination of Martin Necas, Jonathan Drouin, Valeri Nichushkin, and Artturi Lehkonen for wingers. Coach Bednar can put any three of these forwards on the ice and expect to put up lots of offense.
The bottom six is a little different as there are actually eight players to utilize. Coyle centers Joel Kiviranta and Ross Colton, while Jack Drury centers Parker Kelly and Logan O'Connor on the fourth line. Miles Wood and Jimmy Vesey are also available because we know Bednar likes to keep everyone involved.
Why is this different from usual in-game line adjustments?
Coaches often juggle the lines when teams need a spark or have fallen behind in a game. Injuries and penalties can also derail a team's ability to get consistent personnel on the ice. Jared Bednar and the Avalanche aren't reacting to a situation though, they're being proactive.
Coach Bednar has actually already started this process by putting Nelson in between MacKinnon and Nichushkin late in the first period against Toronto. Then again against St. Louis starting Nichushkin and Necas with Nelson for the second line. The big challenge Bednar is facing is continuing to get Brock Nelson acclimated and in sync with the rest of the team, specifically the top six. These first two experiments unfortunately resulted in losses, although I'd argue we lost to the referees moreso than the other team.
What other line combinations could work for the Avalanche?
Here, I'm going to play Bednar's Line Blenders and create five forward lines. I'm trying to think a little bit outside the box. I had two major rules. First, only one MacKinnon line; the MacKinnon effect is real. Second, no shuffling wingers within the top six or bottom six. I'll discuss why I chose these lines and what I think they can bring to the ice.
1. Arturri Lehkonen | Brock Nelson | Nathan MacKinnon
I'll get MacK's line out of the way now. We've already seen Bednar attempt the Nelson-MacKinnon pairing, but with Val instead of Lehkonen. I chose Lehkonen here because I think he's had the best and most consistent chemistry with MacK for the past few years. Nelson gives you a faceoff winning big body in front, Lehkonen gives you clutch, and MacKinnon is, well, the best player in the world.
2. Arturri Lehkonen | Jack Drury | Jonathan Drouin
Here I'm banking on clutch. This assumes that Jack Drury can tap into the "clutch Drury genes" that his uncle Chris Drury (my favorite player growing up) provided during his time as an Avalanche. I already discussed Lehkonen's clutch play, but Drouin has shown a knack for scoring timely goals, like this one in that wild Sabres game to send it to OT.
3. Valeri Nichushkin | Martin Necas | Ross Colton
I like what I've seen from Nichushkin and Necas so far as a pair, though the other person in the mix hasn't really been the right fit, unless it's MacKinnon. We've seen Drouin and Nelson, but how about we try Ross Colton? I think his spark plug like game will open some things up for Necas and Nichushkin to work.
4. Martin Necas | Charlie Coyle | Valeri Nichushkin
I'm giving Coyle his shot at 2C here. I think this line would create absolute chaos on the forecheck with both Coyle and Val being strong along the boards. Necas's ability to create with open space while his linemates create havoc in the greasy areas around the net sound like an effective mix for Colorado here. I really like Coyle's upside as a fringe 2C and I think Bednar can use him to create some real versatile lineups.
5. Arturri Lehkonen | Brock Nelson | Logan O'Connor
Ok, I'll admit, I chose this line because O'Connor is my favorite player. I'm going to gamble that scoring his 100th point against the Kings is going to spark his game heading into the playoffs. Maybe he won't put up a bunch of points, but I think his all-in effort and tenacity can create some chaos for the skilled guys in the top six to capitalize on. SInce I can't choose MacKinnon again, I went with Nelson. I flip-flopped between Lehky and Drouin but ultimately ended on Lehkonen. This line screams garbage goals to me. Get the defense unloading from the point and one of these three guys is going to pot a rebound.
Coach Jared Bednar has a great chance to really dig into his lineup and find some combinations that he can really unleash during the playoffs. With how strong Dallas's lineup is, Colorado should try to get every advantage they can now.