Line juggling

Through four days of scrimmaging here, the coaches have been trying different line combos but the most established units so far are these three:

Sundin-Tucker-Antropov. Easy to say that Sundin has looked good. In this environment, with little physical play and a fair amount of open ice, he shouldn’t be anything but. 20-year-old Shaun Landolt has spent a bit of time on the right wing here, with Tucker sliding over to play Landolt’s usual spot alongside Alex Steen and Marius Czerkawski. So far we’ve read a lot about Steen getting a shot at playing with Sundin, but it hasn’t happened yet in these practices or games.

Lindros-Domi-Kilger. Truth is they’ve all played with a variety of linemates, but at yesterday’s morning practice involving Team C that didn’t make the scrimmage final, this was the group working together in the dark blues. Kyle Wellwood has also played some with Lindros, but has yet to stand out.

Allison-O’Neill-Ponikarovsky. Since his short opening day, Jason Allison has actually been double-shifting at times in scrimmages, and seemingly doing fine. O’Neill has shown a quick and accurate shot. This is not a No. 1 line, but as a three-man group, I think these guys have worked the best together of all the lines here.

Comments

[Tyler]

I really hope that Steen makes the team, at least gets a shot. We need to start developing the kids.

[Ken]

The Leafs should give Wellwood a chance. It sends a message to fans and players within the organization that they are comitted to developing their youth. Wellwood will be more enjoyable to watch than Kilger who moves like he has bricks tied to his skates.