With Lazar returning to the lineup, Jack Studnicka will shift up to play second-line center in the middle of Taylor Hall and Charlie Coyle. The pivot saw extended time in that role during the preseason with Coyle sidelined by offseason surgery.
"We put him with Freddy and Kuhly the other day, first call-up. Nose was in Buffalo with that group, so we wanted to leave it alone," Cassidy said while explaining why Studnicka centered the fourth line on Sunday against San Jose. "At home, you can control it a little more. Now we're on the road - they're all quality opponents in this league, but two undefeated opponents, we're going to have to use everybody and trust everybody.
"This gives us at least a chance to start that way if everyone's on their game. We've got balance and go from there."
Studnicka is thrilled with the chance to play alongside Hall once again, as well as Coyle, who he called "one of the better teammates I've ever played with."
"They've been awesome off the ice," said Studnicka. "I think communication is gonna be big and playing with Hallsy during preseason, getting the iPad out and thinking things through, it's definitely a big thing for chemistry. They've been great off the ice.
"Super excited. [Florida's] off to a good start over there. Gonna be big challenge for us, and I can't wait to be a part of it. Playing with two veteran wingers. They know how to produce in this league, hopefully be solid defensively for them and hopefully things go well."
Despite a strong preseason showing, Studnicka was sent to Providence following training camp, but the 22-year-old said he was not deterred by the demotion and focused on retaining a positive approach.
"Be proud of what I was able to do in camp and try to keep it going, play my game down there and wait for the next opportunity and I'm thankful it came pretty early," said Studnicka.
Cassidy will be looking for Studnicka to use his North-South skating style to create a higher tempo and create offense with a simple approach.
"Both his wingers can really move so he's gonna have to have his legs under him," said Cassidy. "Hopefully he picks the right time to distribute the puck or shoot it…it's not just about what he can do for that line. You want Coyle and Hall to be the drivers of that line. They've been in the league longer than Jack and Jack needs to make sure he does his part as a centerman in our end and away from the puck."
At the same time, Studnicka said he is not concerned about being overly deferential to his veteran wingers.
"I would maybe a year or two ago I was someone that would defer," said Studnicka. "I think I've grown as a player to where I'm confident to just go in there and play my game. They're really good players so they'll be able to read off that…now I'm ready to just play my game and see how it goes."
