Tonight, at 8 p.m. EST, is Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Semifinals between the Montreal Canadiens and Vegas Golden Knights, where Vegas faces elimination.
The Golden Knights’ forwards, especially their top lines, have struggled a lot this series and the only top-six forward who scored was Max Pacioretty, in Game 5.
It seems like they are changing up their lineup to create a spark and have a better chance at winning tonight and forcing a Game 7 in Las Vegas – though their fans were pretty quiet in Game 5.
You can bet it will be the complete opposite tonight at the Bell Centre, where 3,500 fans will be louder than T-mobile’s fans at full capacity.
Robin Lehner will be in net tonight, instead of Marc-André Fleury, who seemed a bit shaky in Games 3 and 5. On the other hand, Lehner was amazing in Game 4 and if he can do the same tonight, he’ll be giving his team a chance to tie the series at three, and to go to the Stanley Cup Finals.
It also looks like Nic Hague might take Nick Holden’s spot on the third defensive pair. It’s important to note that Hague hasn’t played since June 6, so he could be a bit rusty.
During practice this morning, Ryan Reaves was also in Alex Tuch’s spot, though it is expected that Tuch will be playing tonight. But could that mean Vegas also wants Reaves in?
It would make sense if their strategy is to out bully the Canadiens, but that’s the only reason I can think of.
All these changes in the lineup only mean that the Knights are desperate to win tonight’s game. But let’s not forget that they strive when in deficit, so tonight’s game should be intense and close.
However, if the entire team comes together once again and does exactly what they did in Game 5, they should be more than okay.
On their side, no changes are expected, and if they can stay disciplined, get an early lead, and keep frustrating the Knights, it should be enough to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals.