In the six games in 2023, every forward in the three new-look lines has scored at least one goal, and five (McCann, Tolvanen, Gourde, Bjorkstrand, Beniers) have scored multiple. In two games (Edmonton, Jan. 3; Ottawa, Jan. 7) every member of a line has scored. The Beniers line has yet to allow a goal against.
"That's the way our team has been," Hakstol said. "There's been a line or two each night that's been able to step forward and have good nights and the other lines go and do their jobs."
Do their jobs. That's been another part of the forward corps success. Each line is finding an identity and ways to exploit one another's strengths.
Although players "don't really think about (line changes) too much" according to Schwartz, players will look at one another's tendencies and start to figure out what works among them.
For his line, Schwartz is quick to highlight McCann's shooting prowess; Wennberg's defensive ability and work in faceoffs. He also likes the versatility of both himself and Wennberg being able to trade-off in the valuable real estate in front of opponent's nets to create space for one another.
All of that was on display in Ottawa when each member of the Wennberg line earned a point on McCann's goal.