Line Combos, AV Gone Crazy?

[TheFlyingV]

Unless you were off hiding under a rock yesterday you've probably heard about Alain Vigneault's most recent line juggling, resulting in winger Mason Raymond landing alongside the Sedin twins. The switch is meant to motivate the slumping Sedins, giving notice to the rest of the lineup that the team's play of late has been unacceptable. What do you think of AV's newest move? Does Mason Raymond's perimeter game have any chance to gel with the Sedin cycle?

[richardhodges]

I can't see it working or lasting more than a period. I think its more of a message to the Sedins than anything else. AV is reminding them they've been Mason Raymond bad.

[gugster]

Personally I'd like to see

Sedins-Kassian
AMEX
Burr-Pahlsson-Hansen
Manny-Lappy-Weise

Hamhuis-Bieksa
Edler-Salo
Alberts-Tanev

[richardhodges]

Yeah, considering Bitz with the Sedins even worked, I'm surprised we haven't seen Kassian on that line yet.

[TheFlyingV]

Well, the Canucks didn't win the game but Alain Vigneault's line combinations sure seemed to work well. How does he do it? Seriously as a slump buster AV is drastically under-rated.

[richardhodges]

Thank god for depth, eh?

[TheFlyingV]

That's the key, although Vancouver's D-depth heading into this year's playoffs kind of worries me still.

[richardhodges]

Yeah, it's frightening. I forget which goal, but one of the goals on Tuesday, Gragnani attempts a block, slides a bit, gets up, and just watches Phoenix score. It was maddening. He didn't move at all.

[TheFlyingV]

Yeah, I'm not convinced he's ready for deep playoff stress. Will be interesting to see how the blue line holds up late, and if Luongo can make up for any holes.

[gugster]

Raymond a healthy scratch tonight, and to no one's surprise Schneider starts in Minny. Salo also a healthy scratch, an Edler-Grags pairing will be fun to watch tonight.......