Silver Nuggets: The Need for True Second Line Talent

People are already talking about what implications these playoffs will have on the rest of the NHL. The league is, after all, notoriously a copy-cat league, so whatever works this season will be attempted by other teams next season. People talk about the shot-blocking we've seen from teams like the Rangers and Capitals, and the goaltending we've seen from the Coyotes and Kings.

For me though, what the two teams that remain have in common is the All-Star power on their second lines. The true second line contributing talent.

The Kings of course are using the former heart of the Flyers, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, to form their second line. Both are first line players on almost any team in the league, but together with a recharged Dustin Penner they are an important piece of the puzzle for the Kings playing on the second line. This is only made possible of course by having the Anze Kopitar-Dustin Brown line playing top minutes.

For the Devils, they are able to put together a mega line when needed, but often Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise have been playing separately, giving the Devils balanced scoring.

Now its not groundbreaking to say having good players on your second line helps you win games, but these playoffs are really showing it. The Senators iced a second line of Nick Foligno, Kyle Turris and Daniel Alfredsson for the majority of the season. If Alfie can play the way he can, and Turris can grow, that line still needs another scorer, especially because the top line has proven they cannot carry this team themselves.

So, what players are available, either on a team with cap issues or are a free agent themselves that you think could help the Senators ice a truly talented second line?

Links after the jump

Senators Links

• This was linked into the comments in yesterday's Nuggets, but here is Scott Cullen (of TSN.ca) on an offseason game plan for the Senators. To be honest, I don't much care for Cullen most of the time, but this is a rather in depth look at our team. [Cullen]
• Yesterday I told you to prepare for an onslaught of Rick Nash rumours, and already today we have one linked to Ottawa! Apparently Murray kicked tires on a potential deal but was scared off by the price. Have to think they may have been asking for Erik Karlsson. [6thSens]
• More gold from Nichols at the 6th Sens, here he is breaking down a Pierre Dorian interview about the combine on Healthy Scratches. Well worth the read. [6thSens]
• Garrioch writes that the Senators solid goaltending stable is drawing attention from other GM's [Sun]

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