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Podkolzin, Aman Or Karlsson? Who Should Enter The Canucks Game 3 Lineup
Based on comments made by Rick Tocchet, it looks as though the Vancouver Canucks could be making lineup changes for Game 3. If there is a change up front, the most likely candidate coming out would be Nils Höglander, who, according to Tocchet, struggled in Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers. While there are many options option, the top three choices would be Vasily Podkolizn, Nils Åman or Linus Karlsson, who are all expected to travel with the team to Edmonton. With this in mind, here are some of the reasons why each should be considered if a lineup spot becomes available.
Vasily Podkolzin
If the Canucks want to add a bit more physicality to the lineup, Podkolzin is the easy choice. In 19 games at the NHL level this season, Podkolzin had 71 hits or 20.74 per 60. He can also play on the second unit power play and showed that he is capable of carrying the puck into the offensive zone without turning it over. A defensively responsible winger, he has proven to be effective in limited minutes this year.
Nils Åman
The biggest positive that comes from adding Åman is increased center depth. His addition could also allow Tocchet to change up his forward lines, which could involve moving Teddy Blueger up to the third line, knowing he has an additional bottom-six center available. Åman can also kill penalties, which could become an asset if Vancouver gets into penalty trouble. While he may not produce offensively, Åman may be the safest option of the three and is the player who has spent the most time around Tocchet and his staff this season.
Linus Karlsson
Karlsson is an interesting option because of his offensive potential. While he wasn't able to find the back of the net at the NHL level this season, he was a point-per-game player in the AHL and showed he has no issues getting pucks on the net, averaging 2.72 shots per game. Karlsson also finished the season with a 57.8 goals-for percentage at even strength, while 52 of his 60 points for the Abbotsford Canucks were primary points. A player Tocchet has spoken highly of whenever he was in the lineup; he could get the call thanks to his strong play along the boards and playmaking ability.
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