I’d almost sit Brunnstrom, he has shown so little to me.

I can’t deny the way Neal’s been playing, but I would love to see Ott/Ribiero/Erikson playing together again, Ott creates space, energy, and has an offensive flair that people overlook.

I didn’t see the Nashville game, but I saw Woywitka got swapped with Fistric at D 1/2way through the game

For the Calgary game at least.

Although the Morrow-Ribs-Benn line has been pretty consistent in production, they just haven’t had the zip it had while playing with Lehts or Otter. I think putting Jere up there might rekindle that spark and add a huge defensive push to a minus line.

I love Benn, but he also needs time to develop his entire game. Neal was put on the 3rd line with Mo last year and look what it did for him and his all around game. This may be Mo’s last kick at the cat, so why not pair him up with Benn to start the kid’s career off right? I’m willing to guarantee if they keep the two together for the season, re-uniting the Morrow-Ribs-Benn line next year will be a lot more dangerous. Not to mention Otter might spark up Benn’s fiesty side (the kid can toss some bombs when he wants).

As much as I want to bench Fabian, he does have 4 points in his last 4 games. 4th line isn’t much, but lets give him the chance to continue it with his fellow Swede (who has thoroughly impressed me thus far this season). The only change I would make is sliding Toby in on the wing rather than Sutherby. Fabian is bound to give up some defensive lapses and I’d be more comfortable with Toby covering his mistakes than Sutherby. That said, when Fabian stumbles, he sits and Sutherby gets back in.

Lastly, I also hope Fistric gets the call over Woywitka. Jeff has made some nice hits and good plays, but it seems every time there’s a 3rd rebound goal, it’s his man that should have been on the ice. Fistric on the other hand has really impressed we with his play the last few games (although I missed the Nashville game).

Neal, Richards, Eriksson should stay together since that has been the Stars best line this year. I like Lehtinen with Morrow & Ribeiro, Jere can be the defensive help that Morrow & Ribs need right now. I like the 3rd line for one of the reasons Eagle listed, Benn needs a spark of some kind because hes been struggling a bit lately. And i like the 4th line right now of Sutherby/Wandell/Brunnstrom because they were the best line the last two games.

Thinking about this, I think that maybe scratching/demoting him is not the answer as others have said.

What i’ve seen watching the games is that he seems more comfortable in space, so why not “create” space for him. leave him on the 4th line, and maybe not even use him and double shift someone like Ott in his place.

But use him heavily on the Powerplay, or on 4 on 4 or less situations, etc. Give him the space he seems unable to create, and then ease him back into 5 on 5 situations, and see what happens.

I think it’ll be good to see some slight changes to the lines. I absolutely love our depth at forward, and I really think we should use it more. I think our top players – even Neil/Richards/Erikkson – could use a reminder that they’re not invincible, and that’s a big part of Crow style coaching.

Neil/Richards/Erikkson
Morrow/Sutherby/Benn
Ott/Ribiero/Brunnstrum
Peterson/Modano/Lehts

This is temporary, but I really want to see what Sutherby could do with some serious skill on his wings, and all three of those skaters can push anyone out of their way. Ott deserves a chance to play with Ribiero again after last year and Brunnstrum should have a tougher winger on the other side to help him out. Mo and Leths should be eased back into the game and Peterson can fill any role.

I can’t help but think Wandell should be in Texas instead of the pres box. Yes, he’s been consistent, versatile, and an offensive threat – but he can do all that while playing 20:00 minutes a game in Austin. He’s earned a spot, and so he deserves more than sitting, and do the other guys on the team.

It’s a little different, but what do you think?