Leaderboard

16-5-2 Record Scratches: D. Carr, Z. Redmond Injuries: N. Beaulieu, C. Hudon Projected Lineup Paul Byron - Alex Galchenyuk - Alexander Radulov Max Pacioretty - Tomas Plekanec - Brendan Gallagher Artturi Lehkonen - David Desharnais - Andrew Shaw Phillip Danault - Torrey Mitchell - Brian Flynn Alexei Emelin - Shea Weber Andrei Markov - Jeff Petry Mark Barberio - Greg Pateryn Carey Price Al Montoya 14-9-1 Record Scratches: D. DeMelo, M. Nieto, T. Wingels Injuries: T. Hertl Projected Lineup Patrick Marleau - Joe Thornton - Joe Pavelski Kevin Labanc - Logan Couture - Joel Ward Mikkel Boedker - Chris Tierney - Joonas Donskoi Micheal Haley - Ryan Carpenter - Melker Karlsson Paul Martin - Brent Burns Marc-Edouard Vlasic - Justin Braun Brendon Dillon - David Schlemko Martin Jones Aaron Dell Team Leaders Montreal San Jose Game Notes Goals Galchenyuk (9) Burns/Couture (9) Puck Drop: 10:30 PM EST Assists Markov (15) Pavelski (14) National TV: N/A Points Galchenyuk (22) Burns/Pavelski (21) Regional TV: SNE, RDS, CSN-CA PIMS Shaw (58) Haley (32) English Radio: TSN 690 +/- Weber (+18) Karlsson (+5) French Radio: FM 98.5

I like him on that second line with the idea of having a couple of quality scoring units (at least in theory). I'd like Carr to get a look on that top line, odd as it may sound. With two players comfortable handling the puck like Galchenyuk and Radulov are, they need someone capable of scoring some garbage goals around the net. Carr has shown he can do that and it would allow Byron to go into more of a defensive role which is better suited for him.

Price is on pace for 53.4 games this year. Pretty good sign he will play less...is that better?

Well luckily for those that have concerns, there's a great chance that there will be some bolstering of the roster heading into playoffs.

Yes all those teams had strengths. It doesn't change the fact that LA has consistently been one of the lowest scoring teams in hockey, even with their acquisitions. They are consistently near the bottom in goals for. It doesn't change the fact that Pittsburgh had a defence with Kris Letang as the only real piece that fit his role (seriously the rest of the D was Trevor Daley, Olli Maatta, Brian Dumolin, Ben Lovejoy, Justin Schultz). Thats a bad defence. It doesn't change the fact that Chicago's #2 centre in their cup years put up the following stat lines. 2010 Dave Bolland, 16 points in 39 games regular season 2013 Michal Handzus 0 goals 12 points in 27 regular season games. 2015 Brad Richards 37 points in 76 regular season games. 2nd Line Centre was a major hole on those three Blackhawks teams. Thats a fact. All of those teams had strengths, and they also got a bit of luck... Bickell going on an unsustainable playoff scoring tear. Bolland putting up 8 goals and 16 points in 22 playoff games the first year. Tim Thomas playing otherworldly. Jonathan Quick getting super hot. A rookie goalie coming in and shining for the Penguins. Thats what any team needs to win the cup. A good core. Some strengths, and some guys getting hot at just the right time and helping you win. 30 teams, 16 playoff teams, 1 winner. It takes skill and a little bit of luck in this cap era.

Only if you think Plekanec will finish the season with the 4 goals he is on pace for

Widely feared is exactly how Habs are seen to other teams, don't fool yourself into thinking other wise. Same as playing NJ with Martin B in net, biggest X-factorwhne a goalie shuts the door and stops everything often. But, keep on letting broadcasters make your opinion for you.

You are just tossing crap into a post and making very little sense, but if it makes you feel better, fly at er.