Sharks mix and match scoring lines

Head coach Todd McLellan continues to mix and match his forward line combinations.  We first breached the subject at the beginning of the season when it became apparent the “Burger Line” would no longer be.

Now, McLellan continues to change up his forwards in an attempt to score more than their current average and League worst 2.3 forced per game.  According to David Pollock of Working the Corners, the lines will look something like this:

Patrick Marleau – Joe Thornton – Devin Setoguchi
Dany Heatley – Logan Couture – Ryane Clowe
Jamie McGinn – Joe Pavelski – Torrey Mitchell
Frazer McLaren – Scott Nichol- John McCarthy / Jamal Mayers

Setoguchi will likely be the main beneficiary of the switch with Pavelski the main victim.  During the majority of the 2008-2009 season Seto played with Jumbo Joe and put up a career-high 65 points, so he will look to rekindle that success. Meanwhile, Pavelski seems to hold the ability to produce regardless of his linemates.

In addition, the young centerman Couture will look to display some his scoring prowess that proved he was ready for the next step.  Despite his lone one point on the year the 21-year-old put up 53 points in 42 games at Worchester of the AHL so the team probably hopes putting Heatley on his wing will alleviate some pressure.

The Sharks take on the Carolina Hurricanes at home tonight with the puck dropping at 10 PM EST.