The Penguins have played seven games. They’ve had a few really good games and a few not very good games. Their play perfectly explains their .500 record so far. Much like their play, their lines have been moving around on a daily basis.
I do believe the coaches will stumble into something more concrete soon, and I also believe I know how the lines should fall. It’s pretty clear that Kindel needs to get away from a rotating cast of wingers. Kindel has looked great, but he’s been stymied by getting the 13th winger every game. I also believe his play in the dot deserves a promotion.
Novak formed a great second line last year, but he is better suited for third-line duty. Kindel has the offensive jam to bring more out of Chinakhov. I also believe Koivunen needs to sit for Soderblom, just for the size element.
Robertson, the team’s best goal scorer (so far), should jump back up with Sid. Soderblom will take his spot, and Rakell will shift down to the third line with Novak.
The Pens should really fuss around with this lineup for a few games:
Robertson-Crosby-Rust
Chinakhov-Kindel-Malkin
Kuzmenko-Novak-Rakell
Dewar-Lizotte-Soderblom
What do you think?
