#lineup-decisions

#lineup-decisions

Ware started 36 games last year, while Jovic started just 10. The latter was a "scapegoat" at the start of the regular season and was eventually moved to the bench, even though the starting lineup's shortcomings weren't necessarily his undoing. Ware showed flashes, but wasn't consistent. Miami's spacing was poor when he and Adebayo shared the floor together, and that doesn't figure to be much different without Herro.

Palat has been slotted in that position more frequently than any other skater, but it's time to consider other possibilities. He wound up with just 28 points in 72 games played, despite having the chance to skate with the team's two most elite offensive producers. Looking at the advanced numbers, when Palat is on the ice, the Devils were outshot by 86 SOG, outscored 42-38, and controlled the puck less than 50% of the time with a Corsi-for percentage of 48.9%.

You probably look at it and go, 'Well, he's the third-line center. Doesn't he deserve a little bit more opportunity than that?' I look at it as trying to balance out those top three lines," Carbery told NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "Last year we felt like our top six was [locked] in and we were always trying to find a combination on that third line to give us some good, reliable minutes and also be productive.

Before the Atlanta Braves took on the division leading Phillies, their bats had been pretty hot. That was thanks to Jurickson Profar playing out of his mind, the Michael Harris resurgence, Drake Baldwin continuing to do his thing, Matt Olson staying steady as always, and Ozzie Albies deciding to finally hit. It also always helps when you have the all-world talent of Ronald Acuña Jr. on your side.