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Montreal Canadiens: Analyzing Julien’s Fourth Line Combinations at Training Camp

By Joseph Gentile

Jul 22, 2020; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Montreal Canadiens coaches Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 22, 2020; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Montreal Canadiens coaches Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /
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EDMONTON, ALBERTA – SEPTEMBER 26: Corey Perry #10 of the Dallas Stars celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second overtime period. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, ALBERTA – SEPTEMBER 26: Corey Perry #10 of the Dallas Stars celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second overtime period. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Frolik – Poehling – Perry

At camp, HC Claude Julien was running another potential fourth line that included newly acquired forwards Michael Frolik and Corey Perry, along with top Montreal Canadiens prospect Ryan Poehling in the middle. Each player brings his own level of skill and production while also being able to bring a lot of physicality. We can call this line Montreal’s ‘goon’ line so to speak.

Michael Frolik’s production has dipped over the last season, failing to hit the 20-point mark for only the second time in his twelve NHL seasons. It does not seem unlikely that he will ever be able to reach 30-40 points in again, especially playing as a fringe fourth starter.  However, he brings in a big body presence at 6”0 and 195 pounds. He will be able to hit, play in the corners and bang in a few pucks here and there.

Ryan Poehling will get another crack at making the Montreal Canadiens’ main squad this year. However, if he does manage to impress at camp, the only spot for him seems to be on the team’s fourth line, where he will be competing with Jake Evans. It is unlikely to see him usurping any of the players Julien has currently playing on the third line.

Poehling has not yet managed to hit his stride in the pros, putting up 13 points in 36 games with Laval and 2 points in 27 games with the Montreal Canadiens last season. His ice time and usage played a big factor in limiting his production (10:23 minutes on average) but the Montreal Canadiens management expects more from the 22-year-old who was named World Junior Championship MVP in 2019.

However, Poehling’s ceiling remains high and can still surprise people during camp and over the course of the season. His physical presence is unmistakable at 6”2 and 204 pounds and can make life a little bit difficult for opponents.

What more can we say about Corey Perry? He can hit, make plays, score goals, and will be a huge veteran presence for the team’s rising stars.  In this year’s playoffs, the 34-year-old was an important part of Dallas’ Stanley Cup Final run, playing physical and posted 9 points in 27 games in the playoffs. Perry will especially be a big help for Ryan Poehling as he looks to develop his game in a similar style to Perry’s.

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