With Gilbert Brule and Liam Reddox both being assigned to Springfield, the Falcons will in essence be a whole team for the first time in a LONG time. For the first time since the 12 game mark, the Falcons will have Reddox, Brule, Potulny, and Schremp at their disposal in the same game.
Whether it's a temporary situation that will end after the NHL Allstar break, or for the long haul, the Falcons need to take advantage of this opportunity and start to make up ground on their Atlantic Division counter parts.
Ryan Stone and Shane Willis also add to the mix and quite frankly, the Falcons forward lineup looks the best that it has in the entire time the Oilers have been affiliated with the Falcons. Outside of Slava Trukhno, the Falcons have no major injuries (unless you include the waiver eligible JF Jacques). Barring any trades, this could be the strongest team that the Falcons ice this year.
The lines could be any number of combinations as the Falcons now have 3 very capable centers in Schremp, Potulny, and Brule. Here is what I'd like to see from coach Truitt.....
Potulny-Schremp-Stone
Lerg/Reddox-Brule-Willis
Reddox/Lerg-Corrazini-Bekar
Lefebvre-Spurgeon-Sestito
Benson, McDonald
Quite frankly, that's the first time that I look at a Falcons lineup heading into a game and I can say that there are no ECHLers filling holes. If McDonald, O'Marra, or Goulet want to play, they need to EARN it. Quite frankly the first 2 guys could have easily been on their way to Stockton instead of Geoff Paukovich. And they may find their way there anyway if this lineup is kept intact. Goulet could be headed there as well, but at least he has shown some offensive ability of late when in the lineup.
The Falcons have a big 2 game set coming up this weekend against 2 very good AHL Atlantic Division teams in the 3rd place Worcester Sharks and the 1st place Providence Bruins. Both games are in Springfield, so this is a golden opportunity to make a push and build confidence against the cream of the division.
For once, the Falcons can't make the excuse that they are out manned.
