GDT: Game 2: Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals 4/23/25- 7:00pm EST CBC, SN, TVAS

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The problem is the bottom 2 lines have very defined defensive responsibilities and they take every draw that's in our end. You don't really want to expose anyone on the 2nd line to that. They are handcuffed and just have to hope the 2nd line starts to tread water.

I understand that, but it's tough to do on the road with 2nd change. Also, you need a 2nd line to win in the playoffs and feel that if we just keep things as-is and 'hope for the best', we won't have given it our best shot. I'd keep the Dvorak line intact, but why not try Demidov with Evans, who could maybe win a draw or two and get Demidov the chance to have the puck on his stick every now and then? Or maybe the plan is to keep things as-is for now and just play the 2nd line 5 minutes tonight on the road then things will look better when they get sheltered minutes at home.
 
Our xColdTummies/60 is much higher with current lineup.

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FacePunches/60 could get a boost next game.

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Maybe Demidov was, at least partially, responsible for these numbers...

Sure, I'm not arguing otherwise. It's what I'd expect from a 19 year old playing his 3rd game in the NHL and 1st in the playoffs. The problem is that line is terribly constructed and clearly a major liability that needs to be addressed. I don't think we need to be so precious with our 4th line that we can't make some changes to it to create a better balance.
 
If I were a Caps forward, I would love the fact that Xhekaj isn't playing. I would chip pucks deep and wreak havoc with only Guhle to worry about. I would also make every attempt to interfere with Monty, knowing that no one is going to flatten me in the crease. Why not?
 
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Are we still talking about Xhekaj?

Even Dandouillon didn't get the fans as frustrated.
A player like Xhekaj is always beloved by fans. After the top stars that type of player is always next favourite. In order of just liking the player, it’s probably Hutson then Xhekaj. There’s nothing sexy about Carrier. Take a player like X away, fans will be pissed off.
 
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A player like Xhekaj is always beloved by fans. After the top stars that type of player is always next favourite. Take him away, fans will be pissed off. In order of just liking the player, it’s probably Hutson then Xhekaj.
I mean, I love Xhekaj, I hope he improves his game to be a solid reliable 3rd pairing defenseman. I'm just amazed at people thinking it will stop the Tom Wilsons of this world to have him on the ice.
 
Sure, I'm not arguing otherwise. It's what I'd expect from a 19 year old playing his 3rd game in the NHL and 1st in the playoffs. The problem is that line is terribly constructed and clearly a major liability that needs to be addressed. I don't think we need to be so precious with our 4th line that we can't make some changes to it to create a better balance.
You can't fix Demidov's line without interfering with the other lines. This can only be addressed effectively in the summer at this point. Also, Demidov is likely not ready for this, regardless of who he is playing with, and this is completely normal. He is a kid with no experinece in North America, who just landed less than two weeks ago. Expectations are just unrealistic. This is not comparable to Caufield or Subban arriving in the playoffs.
 
I would've liked seeing Xhekaj in the lineup today, still hoping for a last minute lineup change to catch the Caps off guard.

You think the Capitals would be "caught off guard" if the Canadiens changed their #6 defenseman at the last minute?

I don't think it would make any difference at all to their game plan.
 
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Does this mean the same 4 lines? Won't even give Demidov better suited linemates?


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I wouldn't be surprised if they stick with the same lines.

Had the caps not crapped their pants in the final 10 mins, I think you would have seen changes.

Personally, I think i would keep the same lineup and swap demidov with armia.
 
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I think Savard went to block Ovi's shot and it deflected off his shin and went in.

Matheson isn't perfect and will hopefully be gone after this year, but he's -6 vs tough competition while Xhekaj is a -13 vs bottom feeders. Don't think he should be coming out.

The problem with analytics is people try to use it the same way baseball uses them. It doesn't work. Baseball is very static and is a bunch of individual events with little teamwork. In hockey there is a much harder time contextualizing these numbers in meaningful ways with the amount of variables involved. Trying to reduce all of that into these broad strokes is almost impossible.

They can give you some insight, and can be used as a tool, but trying to build your entire argument off of them doesn't and will never work.
I appreciate what you're saying and would agree, but as a fan we really only have analytics and the eye test, and Savard is brutal in both of those aspects. Maybe he's a super calming presence on the ice, and he does seem to be a legitimately good leader and teacher, but I think he's being remembered more for how he played than how he's playing.
 
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I wouldn't be surprised if they stick with the same lines.

Had the caps not crapped their pants in the final 10 mins, if think you would have seen changes.

Personally, I think i would keep the same lineup and swap demidov with armia.
I can see Laine being shaped with Armia or seeing Suzuki double shifted occasionally in place of Newhook. While Dach wasn't that effective, having him healthy would at least give us options at center. There isn't anyone we could sub in for Newhook at center
 
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