Is It Time to Split Up Nashville's Top Line?

What hasn't happened in the Predators' first fifty games is the one thing the franchise hoped to see — consistent offensive production from young players like Tommy Novak, Luke Evangelista, Phil Tomasino, and Cody Glass. Injuries have affected Novak and Glass, and developing young talent in the NHL is never a linear process. As veterans like Forsberg, O'Reilly, and Nyquist carried the team, the young players have struggled to score. 

"Obviously you'd like to get some more goals throughout the lineup," Brunette said last week. "Our first line or top line has been unbelievable. They've carried us and we're trying to find solutions to get the other lines to chip in here a little bit."

Last night depth players Michael McCarron, Phil Tomasino, and Yakov Trenin scored for the Predators while the top line was held to no points in the overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators. Forsberg, O'Reilly, and Nyquist spent plenty of ice time against Ottawa's top players who generated more puck possession and shot chances than Nashville's top line in the second and third periods. 

With teams focusing on shutting down Forsberg, O'Reilly, and Nyquist and young players struggling to create and finish chances, it might be time to split up the top line. In training camp Gus Nyquist skated with Cody Glass on the second line. Playing with a veteran who has been consistent and productive could help get Glass back on track after injuries derailed his early season. 

Could a young player like Evangelista or Tomasino benefit from top line minutes with Forsberg and O'Reilly? Nashville needs to make some decisions ahead of the trade deadline and giving young players a chance to compete with the team's best players could help Barry Trotz get another perspective of the young players' potential. Andrew Brunette believes some of the challenge with Evangelista, Novak, and Glass could be confidence. Playing them with veterans on the top line could help get the youth back on the scoresheet and back to their games.  

The decision comes at a tricky time for the Predators. With one game left before the All Star break, it might not be the right time to shake things up. Tomorrow night's game is against the L.A. Kings, a team the Predators are battling for a wildcard spot. It may be a case of going with what is familiar and hoping the team can bounce back after a crushing loss to the Ottawa Senators last night.