Power Forwards Finally Compliment Speedy Snipers
The Montreal Canadiens were counting on tweaking the look of their top 6 this summer and, following pre-season, it would appear they have found success.
The addition of Erik Cole and return of a healthy Max Pacioretty are Jacques Martin's ticket to finally finding balanced chemistry across the Canadiens 4 lines.
Though injuries are still keeping the Habs bench boss from seeing what his full lineup can do, the truth is that Cole and Pacioretty proved during pre-season that their presence will drastically change the dynamic of how their linemates will play.
While the Habs struggled to a dismal 2-6 record in September, the stand-out performances of Erik Cole and Max Pacioretty were almost reason enough not to worry.
That said, while Andrei Markov still remains an unknown, there will always be an air of uncertainty surrounding the Canadiens.
In disregarding the outcome of the games already played, we can see that wherever Martin chooses to play his two "new" power forwards will be in accordance to who the team plays against. Or, at least, that's the hope.
With the ability to sprinkle Cole, Pacioretty and even Andrei Kostitsyn evenly among the top 3 lines of the team, Martin will have the ability to alter and compliment the snipers and play-makers already in place. While the hope is that chemistry and consistency will develop on each trio, the fact is that finding various combinations that work will only help this team develop the ability to counter their opponents, no matter who they are.
One outcome of the addition of Cole and "re-addition" of Pacioretty is that Tomas Plekanec, Michael Cammalleri and Scott Gomez are all seeing more open ice. We have witnessed a re-invigorated Gomez and, while Gionta was quiet, as the team's most reliable asset and their leader, should we even question how he will benefit?
Truthfully, while losing is always discouraging, whether you win or lose in the pre-season really doesn't matter. What matters is whether or not the coach and lineup can demonstrate that they are connecting and showing positive signs of progression.
With an eye on discovering new chemistry and experimenting with the Canadiens lineup, Jacques Martin will likely continue to play everybody with everybody during the final week of training camp. As mentioned above, with the new additions now in the lineup, it will be key for Martin to know what works just as much as what does not work.
Courtesy of Louis Jean from SportsNet,
@LouisJean_SNET, it's evident that Martin is intent on pursuing precisely what I have described above as here are the lines the Canadiens are practicing with today:
- Cammalleri-Plekanec-Kostitsyn
- Pacioretty-Gomez-Gionta
- Darche-Desharnais-Cole,
- Moen-Engqvist-Weber
- 5th line Palushaj-Eller-Blunden
- Gorges-Campoli
- Gill-Subban
- Diaz-Spacek
Extras: Woywitka-Yemelin
While thoughts may drift to "why is Cole on the 4rd line?" or "why is AK46 back on the top line?" remember that with new pieces in place, the key is to discover what works and what doesn't.
So, while a long shot, perhaps the presence of Cole and Pacioretty on the 2nd and 3rd trios will provide Kostitsyn the insulation he needs to thrive with Plekanec and Cammalleri...
Or not.
The point being that, one way or another, the Habs need to know what will work best opening night, so getting that settled now is clearly the way to go.
Lest we forget that Lars Eller is now practicing with the Canadiens and that Andrei Markov isn't exactly holed up in a hospital bed and it won't be long before the Habs will at least have the opportunity to see what all that money they've spent on 2011-12 looks like.
In the end, the consensus opinion that Cole will play with Plekanec and Cammalleri, Pacioretty with Gomez and Gionta and Kostitysn with Eller and Desharnais will likely be spot on the money.
In the meantime, Martin will continue to experiment to see if there are other new surprises in store.
Expect final cuts in the very near future and for actual opening lines to begin practice by, at the latest, Thursday - if not tomorrow.
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