Shuffling the Deck

The Rovers prepare to host the StrapHangers with new line combinations.




Iqaluit, NU (CP)

As the Rovers head into a stretch of games against two struggling teams in the StrapHangers and Wicked Ale, the coaching staff are going to experiment with a new look down the middle. Olli Jokinen, with four goals and two assists in the three games prior to the Funboys loss, finds himself skating on the top line alongside wingers Cory Stillman and Glen Murray. Pavol Demitra, Murray's long-time linemate, drops to the second line with Alexander Frolov and Mark Recchi, while Kris Draper will shift to third line centre between Jeff Halpern and Nathan Horton. The fourth line remains intact with David Legwand centering Antti Laaksonen and Adam Hall.

The move is an attempt to improve the overall production of the group as Jokinen is the team's top rated passer among forwards at 82.3%, while Draper was completing less than 70% of his pass attempts. "Kris has played very well for us as his eleven goals indicate", Stringer said during the scrum after practice, "but we want to see if Jokinen's playmaking can jolt the top lines. We've felt all season that this group has more to give, so we'll continue to tinker until we get them playing to their potential".

After the game, Stringer had a roster selection meeting via conference call with fellow All-Star coaches Brad Schott and Paul Myers. Stringer will guide the Champion Conference All-Star squad this season, and the lobbying among his players to get on the team has been intense. "I won't lie, we've all been in his ear", Chris Pronger laughed when asked about the situation. "I think even Moose [3rd string goalie Johan Hedberg] has been chirping about getting on the team. Personally I think my mom would make a better choice in net than him, but don't tell him I said that".