HabsCast Hockey Blog

After dropping their home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Canadiens will try to rebound with a win over the Florida Panthers. The story of late, has been their lack of offence and their undisciplined play. The Canadiens have 50-PIM in their first 4 games, which averages to 12.5 minutes a game on the penalty kill. Although this doesn’t seem all too bad, the Canadiens seem to be taking these penalties at terrible times during the game. In order to be able to give themselves a good chance at winning, they will have to be smarter with the penalties they take.

The only good thing to say about last game, on behalf of the Canadiens, is the stellar play of Cristobal Huet. Despite his team leaving him out to dry, Huet stayed composed and made some unbelievable stops. He was the only reason why the game was as close as it was. While the Canadiens came out flying on Saturday night they came falling down just as quick, giving up 30 shots against their pitiful 8 after 2 periods, which was a major factor in their loss. It seems that the Canadiens need a shakeup in their lines and that’s exactly what Guy Carbonneau plans on doing for Tuesday night’s game.

Forwards
Higgins – Koivu – Ryder
Smolinski – Plekanec – Kovalev
Kostitsyn – Grabovski – Kostopolous
Begin – Chipchura – Dandenault

Defense
Markov – Komisarek
Brisebois – Hamrlik
Bouillon – Streit

Goalie
Huet

Carbonneau is juggling the lines a bit, trying to get the Habs going offensively. We will see Grabovski get a second chance to prove himself centering a line between Kostitsyn and Kostopolous. Smolinski gets upgraded to second line status in a move to spark Plekanec and Kovalev. Smolinski has been looking good in all the games he played and deserves more ice time. He has a great work ethic and can work well with the puck, which can benefit both Plekanec and Kovalev. Both the first and fourth line will most likely stay the same. Moreover, Carbonneau is sending a firm message to Guillaume Latendresse who will be a healthy scratch for Tuesday night’s game. Latendresse has not put up a single point in the four games he has played in. On top of that, Latendresse has only managed a couple of shots on net and has a rating of -2. Although some may argue that he should be on the second line, Latendresse hasn’t proved his merit to be there, hence, it is likely he will see more of the fourth line or healthy scratches in future games unless he proves Carbonneau otherwise.

The Florida Panthers, on the other hand, are off to a mediocre start behind newly acquired goaltender Tomas Vokoun. They are currently 4th in the Southeast with 4 points, with both their wins coming in their last two games. Captain Olli Jokinen is leading the team with 6 points and 22 shots on goal. He is a player the Canadiens must keep in check. Another player that the Canadiens mustn’t underestimate is forward Nathan Horton. He has accumulated 4 points in the 5 games he played in, three of them are goals. Finally, Richard Zednik is a player worth noting, as he makes his return to Montreal, however, it’s not likely he will be a threat.

Prediction: Montreal 5, Florida 2

I think the Canadiens will pull out a win on Tuesday, which will be by more than one goal. After Saturday night’s game they have something to prove. In all, I think these lines will be good for the team as it spreads the scoring talent.

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