The Predators need to change their second line, but it's easier said than done.
The Predators need to change their second line, but it's easier said than done.
There were a few additions made by the Nashville Predators at the trade deadline this season. At the same time, the team subtracted Yakov Trenin. He was playing on the second line, but now newly acquired Jason Zucker and Anthony Beauvillier are lining up alongside Colton Sissons on that line. Through two games, this hasn't worked.
There hasn't been any offense from this second line and there have also been some glaring turnovers. Of course there are going to be some early worries and overreactions, but chemistry and knowledge of the system that the Predators play is going to take time to develop.
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On the other hand, there is skepticism towards keeping that line together, regardless of what chemistry they could form. I'm not sure it is the best idea to throw two new players on the same line and give them lots of playing time without time to adjust. It would limit the potential damage if there were two regulars and one new player on two lines. The problem then lies with breaking up three other lines that have been working well.
The first line you would probably think to alter a bit is the third line if the second line is going to be reworked. But how can Andrew Brunette justify breaking up the third line when Luke Evangelista has scored in three consecutive games with the assists being given to both Mark Jankowski and Tommy Novak on all three goals?
Not only can the third line not be touched for the time being, changing the first line isn't even a conversation. This line has led the team offensively this season and the chemistry is very strong.
There are two options to help change the second line right now. The first is to demote one of the new wingers, preferably Beauvillier, to the fourth line. While they put in some pretty good work, this is the least impactful line, thus limiting any glaring mistakes made while Beauvillier learns the new system. This keeps him in the lineup as well. I wouldn't think about promoting anyone on the fourth line to the second line, but Cody Glass should be back in the lineup in no time. This should create the new second line of Zucker, Sissons, and Glass, push Beauvillier to the fourth line to alternate in with Cole Smith or Kiefer Sherwood on the wing,
Zucker has more experience and looks to be the better choice for the second line at this time, but if he and Beauvillier can get back to the players they were before this season, it is a closer competition. The Predators are fighting for their chance to get back into the playoffs in a season where they were doubted. It took a while for this team to get going under Brunette's system, so the results should come eventually for the two newest trade acquisitions, but from separate lines.
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