I like the lines the way they are now. You can always experiment (and with Bedsy line “potpourri” you can be assured that will happen) but those are two, top lines with scorers fully across. I like Lehky on the top line because he also brings a defensive element to this line to counter Mac’s all out attack attitude. Nelson and Nuke plus Drouin are a lethal combination on the second line. Then, Coyle centering the third line and having Kelly on the wing to agitate and hit everything that moves. Drury on the fourth line and wow – – that’s a pretty good bottom line.

Remember – on the power play, the Avs have more firepower with the 2nd group, as well. It’s all good!

That may well be the end result or the lines will never change except to let Nelson get used to some of the other wingers, in case of injuries. Bednar may be happy with the top lines right now and only move Nichushkin or Nelson up with MacKinnon when they need a goal. I think there will be more movement among the bottom 6, looking for different line combinations and keeping the scratches in game shape.

I have to disagree with you both:
Drouin-Mac-Nečas
Lehky-Nelson-Nuke

Drouin and Nečas are greatly elevated by playing with Mac. Its similar to when Deadmarsh and Young played on Sakic’s line. Kamensky and Lemieux were both better wingers, but Deadmarsh and Young were most valuable when on Sakic’s line. Lehky and Nuke don’t require Mac to be top-6 guys.


If the Avs are up in a game, Bednar has the ability to mix and match on his line. You could even see how it looks as:

Drouin-MacKinnon-Nichushkin
Lehkonen-Nelson-Necas

Good to see the Kelly appreciation. A lot of lineup projections had him being scratched with the new additions. He has been tremendous playing with O’Connor, on the PK, blocking shots, and defensively. He was thrust into a difficult position as a 3C. It was his offense that lacked, not his defense. He is 3 points shy of his career high in points of 18. Not bad for a 4th liner.

I agree that the team needs to focus on the defense. They have the offense and the new lines just need time to gel. Time management is a must and as Bednar said yesterday, the team now has the ability to rest injured players. The team does need to play the extra skaters, so they are not totally rusty if called to play. Johnson give them the ability to give Manson a rest, especially on the back to backs. Vesey and Wood allow for a bigger 4th line, if needed, and maybe giving O’Connor some time on the 3rd line. Flexibility is key.

I’d like to see two aspects of the Avs game focused on with the remainder of the season. (1) Time management with Mac, Makar, Nuke & Toews. Can we see their minutes cut down some so they are more fresh when the playoffs start? (2) A renewed focus on defense and elimination of the lapses that have too frequently taken place with players out of position and ill advised clear outs. Communication is key and now Bedsy can concentrate on bringing the best out of this team. Fun stuff!