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    Max Miller
    Max Miller
    Oct 28, 2023, 20:38

    The San Jose Sharks need to find some combination to start providing offense.

    The San Jose Sharks need to find some combination to start providing offense.

    Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports - Miller's Opinion: What The Sharks Forward Lines Should Be

    In the land of 0-7-1, the San Jose Sharks have scored just eight goals. The forward lines have been juggled almost every game, and eventually, head coach David Quinn will find something. 

    Let's have some fun, shall we? Here are some line combinations that I have created that I think will help the Sharks. 

    In these lines, I will assume Mikael Granlund and Logan Couture are healthy. I won't include Alexander Barabanov because he is out long-term and recently injured.

    Option 1:

    Eklund-Hertl-Duclair
    Zetterlund-Couture-Zadina
    Hoffman-Granlund-Bordeleau
    Kunin-Sturm-Labanc

    In this first iteration, the biggest change I make is moving Bordeleau back to the wing. Although he is more comfortable as a center, he is not better than the four centers the Sharks have when healthy.

    I'd like to see Filip Zadina get some more ice time despite his recent struggles. This team is looking for offense, and Zadina could be an option to help find that.

    Option 2:

    Peterson-Hertl-Zadina
    Eklund-Couture-Duclair
    Zetterlund-Granlund-Hoffman
    Smith-Sturm-Labanc

    Jacob Peterson hasn't found his offensive touch this season. If he plays with Tomas Hertl, that could spark the offensive side of his game.

    Fabian Zetterlund getting dropped into the third line isn't an indictment on his play. It brings speed to a line that lacks it.

    Luke Kunin just hasn't been himself so far this season. He is coming off another major injury to his knee and might not be 100% just yet. Givani Smith brings some physicality and grit to a lineup looking for energy. 

    Option 3: 

    Couture-Hertl-Duclair
    Eklund-Bordeleau-Zadina
    Zetterlund-Granlund-Labanc
    Hoffman-Sturm-Kunin

    Option three is to load up the top line. Putting Hertl and Logan Couture on the same line will hurt depth, but it will allow Bordeleau to play center. 

    Losing Barabanov hurt this team despite his lack of offense. He provides stability to the top six, and without him, San Jose doesn't have a dependable replacement. 

    Maybe DQ sees these lines, but until the Sharks come home, these lines won't be possible. Couture has been skating in San Jose and should be inching closer to his season debut. 

    Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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