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!
Check back in the morning and throughout the day for our roster of guests and panelists.
Habs 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 Montreal Canadiens lineup to look like tomorrow night.
Offense
Gionta-Gomez-Moen
Cammalleri-Plekanec-AK46
Lapierre-Moore-Pouliot
Pyatt-Metropolit-MAB/Subban
- The Habs new top line, or should I say, the Stanely Cup trio should/and likely will be kept together.
- Outside of Andrei “real-time” Kostitsyn’s ghostly performances, Cammy and Pleks are the two most dynamic players on the Habs.
- Lapierre’s resurgence, coupled with Moore’s unrecognized skills have given the Habs a working 3rd line. Throw Pouliot in there and, when he feels like skating like the wind, the Habs have a speedy and dangerous checking line.
- The fourth trio is an important one, albeit a bit rag-tag. Metro’s incredible return to the lineup has been muffled a bit by his inability to contribute as he would like to, but his hustle and 7-10 minutes a game that he does provide, are very necessary. Pyatt is a penalty killing go-to and the other open winger spot will, in all likelihood, go the Canadiens 7th defenseman. If Jaro Spacek does play, I imagine that Martin will bench Bergeron in favor of the dynamic Subban. If Spacho cannot go, it will be Subban replacing him while MAB resumes 4th line duties while filling in for the rookie when needed. In either case, Sergei Kostitsyn and Mathieu Darche will remain healthy scratches Jacques Martin doesn’t seem to find the need to include them.
Defense
O’Byrne-Markov
Hamrlik-Subban/Spacek
Gill-Gorges
- As mentioned above, depending on how Jaroslav Spacek is feeling, we will either see only PK Subban in the lineup. If Jaro is a no-go, MAB goes back to the 4th line/power play duties.
- In regards to the Habs top defensive pairing, Andrei Markov has really stepped up since being reunited with the physical O’Byrne. Ryan’s size and speed have allowed Markov back into his comfort zone and it is showing as he has been quietly forceful through Games 5 and 6.
- Hamrlik and Spacek were dynamic in shutting down OV and company in Game 1, but since then Jaro has gone down with a virus and Roman has seen his play go up and down. If reunited, this will be a huge bonus for the Habs. If not, Subban will need to step to the plate once again and support his elder defense partner.
- Finally, Gill and Gorges have likely been the steadiest and, dare I say, best defensive duo on the Habs. Both have been shot blocking machines and are a big reason why Jaroslav Halak has gotten so comfortable in goal. For the Habs to find success in Game 7, these two will have to be at their best.
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Halak
Price
- What more is there to say about a guy that has made 90 saves on the last 92 shots faced? Outside of the fact that maybe fatigue could be a huge setback, Halak is the reason why Boudreau and the Caps are driving themselves nuts and why businesses in Montreal are eagerly gearing up for a hopeful second round run.
I will be back with more in the morning!
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Go Habs!!!!!
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