On the PP, Hemsky is pretty predictable except when entering the zone. When he sets up on the left half boards he is a magician. However this post isn't about his PP magic, it's about the fact that of all of our "top 6" forwards he seems to be the toughest for anyone to truly mesh with the possible exception of Shawn Horcoff. Is it possible that he'd be best on a 2nd line against softer opposition while the "top line" is loaded with the remainder of our best offensive players at the moment?
Hemsky can obviously burn anyone 1 on 1 or even 1 on 2, but I sometimes wonder if his unique style of play ends up hurting his linemates effectiveness as a whole. Here's what I propose...
O'Sullivan-Horcoff-Gagner
Penner-Cogliano-Hemsky
Moreau-Brodziak-Pisani
Nilsson-Pouliot-Kotalik
The 1st line has 2 of our best offensive players of late and a good faceoff man in Horcoff.
The 2nd line has Cogliano in more of an offensive role and it'd be similar to the Penner-Horcoff-Hemsky line.
The 3rd line is self explanatory
The 4th line is a soft minutes scoring line, or against bigger/tougher teams insert Jacques and Stortini in Nilsson's and Kotalik's spots.
This allows the team to ice 2 solid top lines and a 4th line that should be able to provide some offense. If the opposition still decides to match up against the Hemsky line, then the O'Sullivan line should be able to take care of business.
