Every coach in the NHL gives at least some thought to line matching, with approaches ranging from rigid and inflexible assignments to a more flexible structure that emphasizes keeping players and lines in the game and fresh. Oilers fans may recall Todd Marchant shadowing Mike Modano in those great Edmonton-Dallas playoff series years ago as a good example of the former, while Pat Quinn’s disastrous 2010 run behind the bench was more laissez faire than anyone still coaching in the majors.
If there’s a game that most exemplifies what Todd McLellan wants to do this season, it’s his team’s 3-0 opening night victory over the Calgary Flames.