The Montreal Canadiens started working on their power play this afternoon, want to know who is on which unit? Read on!
After the Montreal Canadiens were anemic through the first three pre-season games, it was high time the Habs started working on that aspect of the play. For that practice to be worth anything, though, it had to be done with the players likely to be invested in that mission in the upcoming season.
After practicing as two separate groups this morning, the penalty killers (likely destined for Laval) were brought on to practice with the NHL group to defend against Martin St-Louis' newly formed power play units.
Unsurprisingly, the first unit features the players who form the team's top line: captain Nick Suzuki, snipper Cole Caufield, and power forward Juraj Slafkovsky. Added to the mix are top defenseman Mike Matheson and second-line center Kirby Dach. He lines up down low while Slafkovsky plays the bumper position, his big frame hopefully interfering with the opposing goaltender's vision.
As for the second unit, Joshua Roy is down low, Brendan Gallagher has the bumper spot, Patrik Laine is on the left half wall, Newhook is on the right, and Lane Hutson is at the point.
This is an interesting choice as it provides Roy with an opportunity to play more of an offensive role and Hutson with a progressive introduction to power-play duties. Generally, the first unit gets the lion's share of the ice time, but Hutson will be right there, taking in what Matheson is doing on the ice before getting his own turn, even if it's shorter.
Hopefully, the bench boss will decide to dress all of those guys tomorrow, and the Leafs will feel inclined to take plenty of penalties. It would give the Habs a chance to get the reps with the right players on and the fans an opportunity to see them in action. There's got to be more than the drop pass everyone has come to know and love (sense the tone) in recent years to the playbook.
You may also like
Canadiens: What to Expect From Juraj Slafkovsky
Canadiens: What to Expect From Mike Matheson
Canadiens: What to Expect From Jake Evans
Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains
Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens