In another thread I had Malone penciled into that spot,i must be the only one who thinks a big power foward would free up Oshie and Duncan to wheel and deal in the zone.
I also think Oshie is a natural center and maybe Malone will be the other wing on that line. Malone would bring some size and maybe cause some havoc in front of the net.
To win it all takes some lucky breaks along the way,easy bracket,timely saves and goals etc. If they don't win #8 but leave it all on the ice does that mean they failed,I don't think so but other people may have a different opinion.
Good lineup,my reason for Davidson-Kaip-Zajac is to have another Red Pepper(grind) line that can cycle the puck and keep the opponents bottled up in their own end. Do you have Oshie at center or wing.
Lines for next year.
Duncan-Oshie-Malone(Oshie and Malone do the dirty work and Hobey finishes)
Frattin-Trupp-Forney (lots of talent hope they produce)
Watkins-VanVelde-Kozek (Walkins and VV meshed well hope Kozek does as well)
Davidson-Kaip-Zajac (checking line who can cycle like crazy)
Defensive pairings.
Chorney-LaPoint
Jones-Genoway
Bina-Finley(you just got to keep the odd couple together)
As far as game day rosters go Hakstol seems to run with three goalies,12 fowards and six defense, why not dress an extra foward or defenseman instead of the third goalie? This would help if someone gets injured during the game or doesn't perform that night.
I don't think even the Triouxper could say that with a straight face. On USCHO someone posted a long time ago about Goligoski having some issues with Pittsburgh. Playing with the "Next One" would suck
Another way to look at it is if Pittsburgh doesn't sign him now he can sit out for a few months and become a free agent and sign wth who ever he chooses. He would look good on the blue line with Martin in Jersey.
Apparently LivesToPlayWithHimself's opinion doesn't carry much weight with the scouting services either with Malone at 57.(Nash is actually lower then Malone)