Colorado Avalanche: Full line combination predictions for 2018-19

Defense

Tyson Barrie- Erik Johnson

Mark Barberio-Nikita Zandarov

David Warsofsky-Patrik Nemeth

The Avalanche will need solid defense on all four lines. They have the players who can play in different spots. The versatility will be helpful in creating lines.

Tyson Barrie and Erik Johnson are the top defensive pairing. They complement each other as the strongest defensive players. and they work well together.

They also provide two-way play. Barrie especially contributed a lot on offense last year. Johnson is a tough defenseman who usually leads the team with hits and penalties. He is not afraid to throw down the gloves.

Mark Barberio and Nikita Zandarov are expected to be the second pairing. The two defenders complement one another well. They provide the second line with strong two-way play. Zandarov and Barberio can help on offense, and they have a good presence on the ice.

The Avalanche like to be versatile when it comes to the defensive pairings. Patrik Nemeth and David Warsofsky give them that on the third pairing, where they like to mix and match the lineup. Also, this pairing will be based on the scratches for any given game.