PITTSBURGH – In a league where teams are essentially even and parity is king, being able to count on a solid fourth line is a luxury.
Fortunately, it’s a luxury that Michel Therrien is enjoying right now given the results the line of Devante Smith-Pelly, Torrey Mitchell and Brian Flynn has produced early on this season. Their success as a unit of three has even forced their bench boss’ hand. He admits that although he would have liked to give newcomer Paul Byron the opportunity to make his Canadiens debut against the Senators on home turf in Ottawa, he couldn’t afford to take Smith-Pelly, Mitchell or Flynn out of the lineup given how effective they’ve been together.