Canadiens vs Lightning: 5 Reasons To Be Confident

5. Neither Team Has A Great Power Play

The Habs have notoriously advanced to Round 2 without a power play to speak of; 1 goal in 20 is not bragging material. And obviously, when playing hockey, the power play is designed to give the team with that man advantage a real edge to score.

However, when a power play simply doesn’t work – to the point where fans groan whenever a penalty is called for the other team! – it’s time to be concerned.

Apr 5, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing P.A. Parenteau (15) celebrates his goal against the Florida Panthers in the second period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

After all, no one expects every goal to come at even strength, and Round 1 (from which I’m sure the Canadiens are taking lessons) was won with one-goal decisions – the empty netter was a bonus in the last seconds of the period – for each of the 4 games in which the Habs prevailed.

But here’s what people are learning, if they didn’t know it already: the Tampa Bay Lightning are coming into Round 2 with a 2-out-of-30 power play record in their series against Detroit. Let’s face it – they’re not any happier with their power play than the Habs are with theirs.

Of course, in hockey, as we all know, anything can happen. Will either power play suddenly take flight and begin to work? That isn’t how it goes; changes have to be made. And Canadiens coach Michel Therrien is demonstrating his awareness of that fact. Which brings me to my next point.

4. New Power Play Pairings

From Thursday’s practice to Friday’s, the lines have been set; and there are some changes afoot for the Canadiens.

Here are the defensive pairings for full-strength play:

(No word yet on who is scratched but it’s likely to be Sergei Gonchar and Mike Weaver)

Now, have a look at the two power play units that Therrien has put together:

Time to feel better, Habs fans? With Andrei Markov not up to his usual self in Round 1, Therrien is splitting PK Subban and Markov on the power play alone (as a defensive pair for the full strength lines, they remain together). But not only has he put Jeff Petry with Subban for the first unit, he has taken Alexei Emelin out in favor of Tom Gilbert.

Both Petry and Gilbert have had a fantastic year, and were extremely effective in Round 1. It stands to reason they will be given their shot on the power play now that Therrien is shaking things up.

But look, as well, at the forwards. While many lament David Desharnais on the power play at all, wishing for Alex Galchenyuk instead, at least Therrien is given the incredible Lars Eller his shot on the second unit.

This is huge, and as fan-favorite Eller’s year improved in the second half of 2014-15, along with his explosive play in Round 2, I believe this is an exciting change that will prove to be lucrative when it comes to the power play.

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