Analyst Suggests Major Changes Involving Patrik Laine and Juraj Slafkovsky
The Montreal Canadiens gave us an incredible month between December 17 and January 21, but now it's starting to feel like the end. With only one win in nine games, we're unfortunately seeing the same Habs from November, a team struggling to keep up and often looking like the weakest one on the ice.
If the Canadiens don't turn things around quickly, we can forget about the playoff race and start talking about finishing as low as possible.
When nothing is working, you have to try something.
And Tony Marinaro has suggested an idea that could potentially shake up the offense: placing Patrik Laine on the first line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
Patrik Laine on the Montreal Canadiens' first line?
On paper, this might seem like an odd decision.
Patrik Laine hasn't been playing well lately, so rewarding him with a promotion could send the wrong message to the locker room.
But upon further thought, it could also be a good idea.
Laine is the best sniper on the Habs, and Suzuki is the best playmaker.
Maybe putting them together could help Laine regain his form while also jumpstarting the first line?
If Laine moves up to the first line, it would mean Juraj Slafkovsky moves down with Kirby Dach, which could actually be a good thing.
They've already shown great chemistry together.
If the second line starts producing, it would take some pressure off Suzuki and Caufield.
It's not a miracle solution, but Martin St-Louis needs to try something.
In any case, this is an interesting suggestion from Tony Marinaro for the Canadiens' first line.
