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Early reports out Friday's practice has Vrbata off the first line. Thoughts on if this is just experiment for practice or if that is actually the plan going forward? And if so, how long will it last?

@botchford tweets - Vrbata on Bonino line, 36 (Hansen) with the twins. Higgins skating with Horvat and Vey. Vey also skating with Richardson and Matthias.

Next question is, does anyone feel there is someone else more deserved of a shot with the twins over Hasnen?

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IMHO this is all about the 2nd line. Mix it up. Hansen has shown an ability to score this year and has played with the Twins before. Hanson's more than decent d-side play could cover for some of the sloppy defense by the Twins. I like the idea of Vrbata with Bonino. A set up center with a trigger man. Higgins with two bangers like Richardson and Matthias also sounds good. What does that leave on the 4th? Burrows-Horvat-Vey? Horvat looks like he is ready to pot a few. Burrows and Bo can work the boards and Vey is a decent puck handler, it might work as well.

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Early reports out Friday's practice has Vrbata off the first line. Thoughts on if this is just experiment for practice or if that is actually the plan going forward? And if so, how long will it last?

@botchford tweets - Vrbata on Bonino line, 36 (Hansen) with the twins. Higgins skating with Horvat and Vey. Vey also skating with Richardson and Matthias.

Next question is, does anyone feel there is someone else more deserved of a shot with the twins over Hasnen?

Only a matter of time before this happened. Sedins Vrbata figured out and Bonino cannot make up for that.

Hansen should at least be fresh. He adds speed and two-way play.

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It's worth a shot.

The Canucks definitely need to get their second line going. And Vrbata has the skill set and talent to "carry" a line. Not that Bonino doesn't as well, but he's been slumping and could use some help. Hopefully things click.

As for Hansen, I've posted quite a bit about his proven history of success with the twins. He might not put-up a ton of points himself, but whenever the Canucks roll with Hansen and the Sedins, the five man on-ice unit (D included) produces extremely well (while also being very stingy defensively).

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If Vrbata's not playing there it should be Burrows or Kassian (if healthy) IMO. Hansen plays so much better in the bottom 6.

Without Kassian:

Sedin, Sedin, Burrows

Higgins, Bonino, Vrbata

Hansen, Richardson, Vey

Call-up, Horvat, Dorsett

If either of Matthias or Kassian can play, all the better.

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Maybe they want some more skill with bonino ti get him going? How long is Kass out for ? I'd like to see him with the twins ti re ignite him

This is somewhat why I was leaning towards with Big Kass when he is back. If not anything, it could give him the boost he needs in his work ethic to be on a line with two of the hardest workers on and off the ice. Cause lets face it, if you can't get yourself up to work hard playing with the twins then I would have to say it isn't going to happen.

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Didn't Jensen get sent down?

That might indicate that Kassian is coming back in the line up.

I'd love to see a line of:

Sedin/Sedin/Vrbata

Higgins/Bonino/Kassian

Matthias/Horvat/Burrows

Dorsett/Richardson/Vey or Hansen

Give Kassian a chance on the top 6 and see how things workout.

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2nd line has been off for a few weeks now, bit surprised Vrbata is being moved down though. But I guess WD is thinking Vrbata will help get Bonino going. I would prefer Burrows with the Sedins though, Hansen has shown flashes but you would think after Vrbata that Burrows would be next in line for them.

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Why not put Burrows with the Sedins? If you're going to take Vrbata off the 1st line, might as well put the player that's had the most success back up there.

Because Burrows should not be rewarded for his average play lately.

Hansen has at least been bringing it lately.

That being said, I see Vrbata being back on the top line tomorrow.

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