Breaking down the powerplay units and gameplay for the Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens are set to begin the season at the end of September, with training camp soon to start. There have been many rumours and mainly acquisitions, which may bear fruit this year for the Habs. But will we see patience and dominance by this team?
Washington Capitals v Montreal Canadiens - Game Three
Washington Capitals v Montreal Canadiens - Game Three | Minas Panagiotakis/GettyImages

The power play units for the Montreal Canadiens are built for success this upcoming season because of the implications attached to the units themselves. First off, being led by Captain Nick Suzuki and his team of goal bandits. I believe it would make sense to break down the level of depth these two lines possess.

Taking a look at the first powerplay unit for the Montreal Canadiens

Critically, thinking of the formation and how these two lines will be utilized is the central aspect we take a look at to inform the fans. The first line is composed of virtually the first line in the Habs lineup, including a possible defensive pairing of defenseman Lane Hutson. However, Ivan Demidov has been projected to play on the same unit.

If it were up to me, though, I would swap forward Juraj Slafkovsky for forward Zachary Bolduc between the two units.

Keeping forwards Cole Caulfield and Slafkovsky together, however, ensures that the two are more familiar with each other's gameplay and know how to complement each other's scoring touch. With forward Demidov and defenseman Hutson in the mix, this ensures the rookies and sophomores adding to their game will get the veteran presence and take charge of the score sheet on the ice.

The points this unit scores will contribute to winning games and closing out contests for the respective club by taking charge of this statistic. The team will be in the top two rankings in the Atlantic division.

Taking a look at the second-line for the Montreal Canadiens powerplay unit

The second line of the powerplay unit for the Habs is led by Alex Newhook, accompanied by a talented Patrick Lane, who may be utilized on the second line of the regular lineup if all goes according to the coaching staff's plans.

This unit will have two newbies in defenseman Noah Dobson and forward Bolduc. Both, newly acquired by GM Kent Hughes, will have an impact, to say the least, on the Hughes; this will be the second wave of an efficient unit to play against.

The odds would be stacked because of the presence on the ice with this combination, and the attack level would be drastic. This unit may be able to score more points than the first power-play unit, to balance out the level of attack both lines possess.

With stick-to-stick passing and excellent stick handling, this team is poised to have a dominating power play in the Eastern Conference.

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