Habster:
It would appear Guy Carbonneau is sticking with a winning formula and will be using the same line combinations he used against the Lightning (with the exception of Price in net, of course).
Here are the line combinations:
Forwards:
Kovalev/Plekanec/A. Kostitsyn: the official “1st line” of the Habs. There is some serious chemistry developing on this line with all three players producing points on a nightly basis. Kovalev is playing like he did when he played in NY and Pittsburgh with a purpose and true dedication to the game while Plekanec is taking over as the team’s new top playmaker with wonderful on ice vision and passing. Andrei Kostitsyn has finally figured out that hard work combined with his nature skills will make a lethal combination. LONG LIVE THE KPK LINE!!!!!
Latendresse/Koivu/S. Kostitsyn: the addition of “Little Tits ” (as the hilarious guys at Four Habs Fans like to call the junior Kostitsyn) seems to have brought Saku Koivu back to life and given him someone who can be as creative and hard working as himself. Sergei has been everything that his former London Knight coach Dale Hunter predicted, saying he was destined to be a star and was already NHL ready. We’re seeing that first hand and to think that some hockey experts thought the younger Kostitsyn had inflated stats thanks to his former London linemates, Patrick Kane and Sam Gagner…….BS!!! Latendresse has also found his niche on the line by driving to the net with authority as well as planting his large frame in front of the opposition’s net in Tomas Holmstrom style.
Ryder/Lapierre/Higgins: we can finally say that Carbo’s line juggling has paid off for a change with this hard working, multi-purpose and offensively contributing line. Christopher Higgins is on fire and showing Habs fans his full potential the last three games with 6 points. “Higgy” has single handily helped his best buddy, Michael Ryder out of his scoring slump (4 points the last 3 games including 3 goals) with unselfish playmaking. Maxim Lapierre is playing his best hockey in the NHL with that typical all out hustle he displayed in Hamilton. The line is literally flying on every shift and give the Canadiens more offensive depth than they have had in years.
Defense:
Komisarek/Markov: solid and predictable game with the inevitable task of shutting down the oppositions top line on a nightly basis. They have been up and down lately but still remain the team’s top defensive pairing.
Hamrlik/Streit: Hamrlik has been somewhat inconsistent lately ( he was a combined -6 against the Stars and the NY Rangers) but still gets my vote as the most consistent defenseman on the Habs at this point in the season. Mark Streit has been playing the majority of his games at forward but has contributed with some good PP play on the first unit.
Bouillon/Gorges: have looked very comfortable playing together and making great decisions with the puck. I think Francis Bouillon is playing his best hockey of the year with his physical game picking up while Josh Gorges is playing a solid yet simply error free game.
Goal: Price
