OK, I was not a huge fan of the Kassian trade initially (though I have come around), but I still think that the 'Nucks made a mistake sending Bitz down. First, he was playing solid minutes on the first line with the twins (giving them a new, different look) and also with the 4th line. He had some skills, a big physical presence and took pressure off the rest of the team in the physical category. Right now, the team does not have any bangers on their two main lines, and the third line is defensive mainly. Also, chemistry on a team is a funny/intangible art - everyone is more comfortable playing with guys who can be physical and it creates a common "team toughness" that is contagious. The "Nucks could use that.

Also, I don't understand why for the 5th and 6th defensemen AV is not playing Alberts? He is not the most gifted guy but every team, including the Bruins, has guys on the last pairings that can maybe not the biggest skill guys but can play solid minutes, bang the other teams 4th liners, protect their teammates a bit and clear the crease. The 'Nucks have no physical presence on the back-end without these guys, why not play them? Gragnani is nice, but a finesse defensemen to play with Tanev is redundant.