As the Montreal Canadiens’ hopes for a spot in the playoffs dwindle heading into the weekend, we are pleased to bring to you another A Winning Habit Roundtable!
1) With the Montreal Canadiens in the middle of a playoff push, do you agree with the coaching staff’s decision to reduce Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s ice time and role?
Emmanuel D: Yes, I think he has stagnated due to fatigue, and by Julien limiting his role, it could help him find his game without having to worry about other responsibilities. I believe he played a good game against the Lightning, and most of the team struggled to get anything past Holtby, so it’s hard to say for that one. With one game left, my opinion could still change.
Omar White: One thing that’s being underrated in the last few seasons is the difficulty to play centre. It’s not that the position is easier to play. However, the number of young players who have been able to step in and play down the middle right away has increased. The defensive responsibility that comes with playing centre is far beyond that of a winger’s as you’re basically a third defenceman which makes it difficult to focus on offence and when you break into the league, that’s mostly all you have on your mind.
However, Kotkaniemi has been different since he joined the organization. He makes a lot of offence plays, but his commitment to defence was greater than most see in an 18-year-old.
At the same time, his play has taken a step back to the point where he hasn’t been nearly as noticeable or effective at 5v5. The Habs have been in a position the last month where every game is essential, and with that in mind, Claude Julien is trying to put the best lineup on the ice to win. If he feels someone isn’t playing as well, it’s his prerogative to make that change.
I understand the decision, but even now, I don’t agree with it. Regardless of skill and hockey IQ, having a role on a team is crucial. For the majority of the season, Kotkaniemi was the team’s third line centre in charge of generating offence while limiting chances against. He dictated play and pace as the third line centre, and now he’s on the fourth line left wing.
Have you noticed Kotkaniemi looking a bit disengaged? He’s no longer the captain of his ship, and although that is an important lesson to learn in the NHL that you may not be in control of what you do, we know where Kotkaniemi is going to be.
That’s not to say that Julien is ruining things with him. He has played a lot dating back to last year in Finland where he played on the wing. However, Kotkaniemi has been in a significant role at centre since then from the Rookie Tournament to the preseason, to the show with the Montreal Canadiens. It’s tough to go from where you want to be to where you’re placed.