A Winning Habit
Fansided

The Montreal Canadiens still do not know who or what they are

By Omar L

MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 17: Cale Fleury #20 of the Montreal Canadiens skates against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at the Bell Centre on October 17, 2019 in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Minnesota Wild 4-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 17: Cale Fleury #20 of the Montreal Canadiens skates against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at the Bell Centre on October 17, 2019 in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Minnesota Wild 4-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Montreal Canadiens
MONTREAL, QC – FEBRUARY 08: Montreal Canadiens  (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

Which brings us to the Montreal Canadiens apparent lineup for the Stanley Cup Qualifier. TSN’s John Lu tweeted on Saturday what he feels to be the team’s game-day lineup for at least their match against the Toronto Maple Leafs:

The first two lines make sense. They’ve been together all of camp and have created some synergy. Kotkaniemi’s line also makes sense to be left alone for similar reasons. Artturi Lehkonen and Paul Byron have successful experience playing with Kotkaniemi will be able to read off of him, given the kinds of plays he makes in the offensive zone.

Must Read. Covering Sidney Crosby. light

Things get a little murky when you look at the “fourth line.” I put quotations around it as Claude Julien doesn’t want us to perceive Domi’s line as being a traditional fourth line. According to the coach, the 25-year-old will have a combination of skill and grit along the wall.

I understand that the Montreal Canadiens are in difficult circumstances. They’re about to play for an opportunity to qualify for the playoffs after virtually giving up on the season and selling at the Trade Deadline. Julien is trying his best to win despite fans believing the tank is in, and it’s clear he’s going with responsible players he trusts.

At the same time, is the point of a retool not to start adding those players you feel are important to the future in high-pace situations and see how they respond? Many believe Jake Evans is going to make the team and take shift duty between centre and right-wing next season for the Habs. Why not have Evans in the lineup over Weise, who is a pending UFA?

Evans is an RFA, and this play-in could add some clarity as to what he could get. Weal has one more year left on his deal, but if Montreal is leaning on developing Poehling as a left-winger, this could’ve been a good opportunity to do so.

Home/Editorials