OTTAWA — What’s the best third line in the NHL?

Michael Amadio—Shane Pinto—Claude Giroux.

The trio didn’t start the season together, but after an embarrassing effort by the Ottawa Senators against the New York Islanders on Oct. 18, head coach Travis Green composed an absolute monster of a line.

“That line is probably the only line that I haven’t touched for a little while. You guys know me that when that happens, some good things are happening,” said Green last week.

Green is famous for mixing and matching his line combinations; he’s realized it’s better to let his third line cook.

The third line is different from most third lines. They aren’t fast or necessarily heavy, but they out-think opponents with an elite blend of offensive capability and defensive doggedness. • 32 Thoughts:

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