Forward Line Two: Jaden Schwartz–Brayden Schenn–Vladimir Tarasenko
Again, this is a no brainer despite the tease earlier that the Blues might do something different. Brayden Schenn and Jaden Schwartz work together so well and with Vladimir Tarasenko coming back, there is no reason not to reassemble this line once again.
The controversy here is that they are placed on the second line rather than the first.
At their peak, this line started most games and earned a ton of ice time over the O’Reilly-Perron line. This used to be the line with the most offensive firepower, but not anymore.
O’Reilly is fantastic at winning faceoffs and he should be out there for as many as possible – including the first one of the game. Additionally, the success that he and Perron have found on the first line is undeniable. This should be the go-to scoring line heading into the playoffs.
Still, it shows the depth the Blues can showcase. If you can put together a line featuring Schenn, Schwartz and Tarasenko and not have it be considered your top line, you’re in pretty good shape.