After a relatively successful 1st week, Boston coach Dave King is still not satisfied. “We have played some good games, but things can be better, and I want to try a few different combinations in case of injuries” King Commented. “Glen Murray will be given an opportunity to play with long-time friend Joe Thornton and Mark Recchi will move to Langkows line.”
With Murray moved to the 1st line for the time being he is expected to make an already big line bigger. Glen Murray, a solid 6’3” and 223 lbs will be joining 6’2” and 231 lbs Keith Tkachuk, and young center Joe Thornton, who weighs on at 232 lbs on his 6’4 frame. Glen also adds an extra element of goal scoring to the trio, something Recchi just wasn’t doing the 1st few games.
The 2nd line will feature Recchi with solid center Daymond Langkow and banger Mike Knuble. This trio is expected to add some offence and take the pressure off the 1st grouping. It is hoped that the less intense checking the 2nd line usually see’s will allow Mark to regain his scoring touch.
It appears Jeff Halpern, with 4 goals in his 1st 3 games, has won the 3rd line job with feisty wingers Brendan Morrow and Jason Blake. Rounding out the 4th line will be Dave Scatchard, recently acquired Kelly Buchberger and Micheal Grosek.
On the trade front there was a fair amount of inquires the last few days, but it seems few teams were actually serious about making a deal judged by their offers. GM Fillion laughed when asked about the situation with the players who may be dealt. “Its a typical situation where other teams are feeling things out, seriously I don’t think anybody expected their 1st offers to be accepted. Some offers were OK, others will simply hilarious. Boys will be boys! Will we be making more moves in the short term? Yes, definitely, but there is allot of work to be done before I am prepared to submit anything. There are ongoing talks with some teams, others have been put on the ignore list.”