Washington Capitals Roundtable: Where Do The Forwards Fit?
Should Johansson Remain The Third Line Center?
Marcus Johansson has looked good as the third line center in place of Jay Beagle. Does he belong there permanently?
Brad Davis: If he is healthy, it should be a competition between him and Richards. Richards has played well as a Capital so far, and Johansson has filled in well (maybe even better) for Beagle. Even though Beagle played well before he got injured, I just can’t see him being the third line center on a Stanley Cup winning team.
Kevin Marland: I’d still rather have Beagle at 3C. I think it’s nice to have depth at center, but Beagle fits the role of 3C best, IMO. Dude is a dependable, hard worker, and that is exactly when line 3 needs. Especially considering his linemates. (Not a knock on his linemates, at all).
Scott Deming: Once again, yes absolutely. And like I said, this is not because Burakovksy is better than him on the second line, it’s because Johansson has a much better chance to thrive on the third line. He becomes the featured player playing between Jason Chimera and Wilson, and will be a major catalyst that makes his linemates better. And while Beagle was playing well centering that line before he got hurt, sliding him down to the fourth line will be a natural transition for him. Playing Johansson as the third line center completely changes the dynamic of that line, and the offense in general. He is a natural center, so if he can continue to improve in the faceoff circle and reacquaint himself with the position he grew up playing, I love him in that spot long term.
Alex Mandaro: When the regal Beagle returns to the ice for the Caps, I think he should be skating on the 4th line. Before you grab your pitchforks, hear me out. Johansson had a pretty disappointing start to the season, if we are being honest. Marcus was missing wide-open nets on an almost nightly basis and it was beginning to negatively affect my heart health. Even without my heart in mind, I think he has finally found his place on the third line. He is taking his spot in front of the net and cashing in on those greasy goals reminiscent of our old friend Joel Ward (we miss you Joel!). When Beagle is back I think he can make our 4thline extremely effective with his faceoff ability. With the heightened puck possession from Beagle’s uncanny powers at the faceoff circle, I think it is a win-win situation for both him and Johansson.
Ben Eisenberg: With the way the third line is playing now, I don’t see Beags returning to the third line anytime soon barring injury. Beagle is just fine as a fourth-line center, he is actually ideal in that role I think, and that’s probably where he should go once he comes back. The third line was really my only concern about this team when he was centering it due to his offense and possession deficiencies. I remember reading 30 Thoughts a few weeks ago and Friedman said something about how the Caps knew the third line was an issue at the time but were worried about what moving Beagle down in the lineup might do to the locker room since he’s so well-liked.
Next: Can Richards Keep It Up?