After 65 games, a record of 30-29-6, 8 points behind a wild card playoff spot, 10 points out of 3rd in the Atlantic and 3 consecutive losses in California, Montreal Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien has finally decided to make Alex Galchenyuk the #1 center between Max Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher. At the Canadiens practice in Winnipeg today, the full forward lines were shook up:
Trios du #CH:
— Jonathan Bernier (@JBernierJDM) March 5, 2016
Pacioretty-Galchenyuk-Gallagher
Eller-Plekanec-Andrighetto
JDLR-Danault-Mitchell
Matteau-McCarron-Byron#Habs #NHLJets
In the 2014-2015 season, when Pacioretty-Galchenyuk-Gallagher played together as the top line the Canadiens record was 9-2-1. Despite their past success, Therrien has been reluctant to reunite the trio this year, claiming that Galchenyuk and Pacioretty did not have chemistry in the one game he had Galchenyuk center Pacioretty when Gallagher was injured and out of the lineup. At this point in what has been a lost season, the Canadiens only have everything to gain by finally making a true # 1 line, with the Canadiens best three goal scorers playing together. There is no doubt that over the past few games, Galchenyuk has been the Canadiens best forward. He has earned this chance. The time is now for the Canadiens to let the chemistry build in anticipation of the 2015-2016 season.
"I'm excited, not just for playing center, but because it's a big game." - @AGally94 #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/pOMy2MVuKc
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 5, 2016
Lars Eller will move back to left wing next to Tomas Plekanec and Sven Andrighetto for tonight’s match. Eller has proven that he is best as a center but the Canadiens do not have many other viable options to play in the top six. Michael McCarron will center the 3rd line alongside newcomer Stefan Matteau and Paul Byron while Phillip Danault centers Jacob De La Rose and Torrey Mitchell. Lucas Lessio and Mike Brown will be healthy scratches while Mike Condon gets the start in goal. 5 Questions for tonight:
1) Will Galchenyuk-Pacioretty-Gallagher rediscover their chemistry and succeed tonight?
2) With the 3 top goalscorers together on one line, will other lines be able to contribute offensively or will the team be dependent on the top line for goals?
3) Will the new top line find success on the powerplay? Will Therrien keep them together on the 1st unit?
4) How many games does Stefan Matteau have to prove himself before Charles Hudon eventually gets an opportunity?
5) How short will Therrien’s leash be on the new #1 line? Will they finish the game together?
Puck drops at 7pm EST
Cheers & Enjoy the game! Follow @Jenbcutler