The Early Line(s)
Or lines, more specifically.
Both teams came through the first round relatively unscathed, even with a pair of six-game series. And while the Wings are waiting to see what Brad Stuart's status will be -- doubtful, at this point, you'd have to say -- the forward lines should look the same as they did against Nashville. Kirk Maltby's not ready, probably won't be until next week, and might not crack the lineup unless Helm really shows his inexperience here.
As for the AVs, here's what it'll likely be for Game 1:
Wolski-Sakic-Brunette
Forsberg-Stastny-Hejduk
Smyth-Arnason-Jones
McLeod-Guite-Laperriere
The key there is the fact Q now has three dangerous lines offensively, with Smyth on the third line and Forsberg freed up by playing on the wing since his return. It'll be interesting to see what Babcock tries to do as far as matchups up front.
Foote-Sauer
Salei-Leopold
Liles-Hannan
Foote and Sauer played almost exclusively against Marian Gaborik in Round 1 and completely shut him down (no goals, 1 assist). Expect a steady diet of those two against Datsyuk's line. Meanwhile, Salei looked very good against the Wild. Two deadline deals that seem to be paying off really well at this point.
That said, I'm picking the Wings in seven. And give me San Jose in six, Montreal in five and the Rangers in six.
