"It was a matter of time, really. As good as winger Michael Frolik was in a checking role, coach Joel Quenneville eventually would want to see what he looks like among the top six forwards.

With Quenneville predictably overhauling his lines and pairings after the debacle Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks, Frolik will get that look.

"You don't mind making changes on a merit basis," Quenneville said. "Guys will get different opportunities and get a chance to enhance their opportunity going forward.""