Habs vs Caps GAME 7 LIVE CHAT
Just a reminder that we will be doing a multi-site mega-chat once again for Game 7.
Don't forget to join us as we will kick off things at 6:30pm!
Caps Lineup: What to Expect
Before I headed off to sleep tonight, I thought I would leave you with something for your morning reading. I will be back with my pre-gamer as usual in the late morning/noonish region, but for now, here is what I would expect the Washington Capitals lineup to look like tomorrow night.
Offense
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Semin
Knuble-Morrison-Laich
Flash/Chimera-Belanger-Fehr
Walker/Gordon-Steckel- Gordon/Bradley
- Note: This is not the actual Capitals lineup for Game 7, rather it is the lineup I would be icing if I had the choice. It is likely that most of these guys will play in Game 7, but as of now, I am unsure of what the final lineup calls will be. That said, here is how I would break them down:
- The 1st line needs to rekindle itself, most notably Alex Semin and his series long drought. If the Habs have had trouble with the 1st line to begin with, I would just add more ammo to it and let them fly at Montreal with everything they had. I would expect that a full game with Alex and Nicky would snap Semin out of his funk.
- The second line is something we haven’t really seen since earlier in the year, but I like the grit, scoring, heart and defensive capabilities of this line. This line has been put together before, but not lately. This line change would cause the Canadiens difficulties in adjusting to a more physical 2nd line.
- The 3rd line would be much like the 2nd, but with more of an emphasis on speed, talent and defense. These two wingers(Flash and Fehr) have both had moments, Eric more than Flash, but are going to need to step up in a big way in Game 7. Their contributions have been minimal in comparison to a guy like Eric Belanger who has already given 8 teeth for his team. Placing these wingers with an inpiring vet like Belanger would balance them and hopefully give them the spark they need. But, because Fleischmann has been a bit of a no-show at times, I would consider benching him in favour of including Chimera on the 3rd line.
- Finally, the 4th line would really depend on how much of an agitating 4th trio you would want to send out there. The combination of Gordon-Steckel-Bradley has been a staple for much of the season, but, depending on whether you bench Flash or not, it would all come down to what type of physicality you needed from them. Using Walker and Bradley would push the 4th line into one of the toughest we have seen in Washington in quite awhile. Sticking with Chimera and Gordon gives the Capitals a fast, defensive and penalty kill oriented 4th line. It’s a hard choice with so many players to choose from, but ultimately, I would bench Flash, leave Chimera on the 3rd and go with Walker-Steckel-Bradley.(I realize that Gordon has been valuable when given the chance, but I want to see a hungry Scott Walker go out and set the tone.)
Defense
Schultz-Green
Alzner-Carlson
Morrisonn-Corvo
- The top pairing of Schultz and Green were fantastic during the regular season, but haven’t quite lived up to the reputation they have built themselves since October. Although it is Game 7 and there is a need for desperation, sticking with these two is the only way to go. Mixing them up wouldn’t work too favourably, unless Boudreau was to consider re-pairing Shaone Morrisonn and Mike Green. In either case, ShaMo and Schutlz are the defensive shutdown player to Mike’s open style of game. (I would still stick with Schutlz, they have good chemistry and can pick it up with the right amount of confidence.)
- Alzner and Carlson. What can I say, other than I have been waiting for an entire year to see these two paired together in a Capitals jersey in a game that actually means something. These two are the future of the Caps blue line and will be needed to make an immediate impact. Carlson has been around for awhile now and Alzner has seen his fair share of NHL play, so I don’t expect too much nervous play from either of them and I expect them to thrive off the chemistry they developed this season while playing for the Hershey Bears. In my opinion, this duo will be the defensive pairing that make or break the Caps in Game 7.
- Morrisonn and Corvo will be relegated to 3rd trio duties. Well…that is what I would do anyways. They are both compentent defenders, but without the services of Tom Poti for upwards of 4 weeks, the Caps are going to turn to their rookies over these two veterans, which says a lot. Despite the doubt surrounding Corvo and patience with Morrisonn’s game, both of these guys will need to be in a sharp state of mind. Turnover’s are killer and sometimes it feels like both of these guys can get dopey with the puck. That said, Boudreau will use them in the situations he feels they can handle, otherwise, I would be sticking with my top 4 for most of the game.
Varlamov
Theodore
- Although it could be worth the debate, I am quite sure that Boudreau will go with Semyon Varlamov in Game 7. The kid hasn’t been stellar in Games 5 and 6, but nothing near bad enough to be pulled. Having celebrated his 22nd birthday in between Games 5 and 6, there is little doubt that this guy is going to want to set things straight after failing to get the Caps to the 2nd round on Monday. Halak stole the show and has pushed this series to the brink, but as witnessed in the Caps incredible Game 7 victory over the Rangers last season, Varly is a big-game player and will come out ready for battle.
I will be back with more in the morning!
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Go Caps!!!!!
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