Pre-Game Talk: Kraken @ Habs Oct 29 7pm ET

[Boss Man Hughes]

Brutal. Hard for Slaf to produce with what are effectively two anchors on his line. He should be back on the top line.

ONE anchor Armia.

 

[Gravity]

ONE anchor Armia.

Bruh, Newhook is abysmal as a C. He's a 3rd line W playing 2nd line C.

 

[le_sean]

I hope both Newhook and Armia let Slaf do his thing and be the leader of the line.

Bruh, Newhook is abysmal as a C. He's a 3rd line W playing 2nd line C.

He’s a lot better as a C than at W. he was great to end last season with Armia and Gallagher. Far more engaged in that position

 

[Sasha Orlov]

Man our top 6 is garbage holy

 

[26Mats]

Bruh, Newhook is abysmal as a C. He's a 3rd line W playing 2nd line C.

I liked Roy - Newhook - Armia last year, and Gallagher - Newhook - Armia. I thought they could be good options for the 3rd line this year.

I don't see Slaf replacing Gallagher or Roy taking the line to the level of a second line. But, we don't have much to work with. Hopefully Laine can get back up to speed and Demidov will be ready to be a top 6 next year.

 

[morhilane]

I liked Roy - Newhook - Armia last year, and Gallagher - Newhook - Armia. I thought they could be good options for the 3rd line this year.

I don't see Slaf replacing Gallagher or Roy taking the line to the level of a second line. But, we don't have much to work with. Hopefully Laine can get back up to speed and Demidov will be ready to be a top 6 next year.

But if Dach doesn't return to his 2nd line center duties, Habs have 3 wingers for the 2nd line next season.

Newhook is not a 2nd line center option despite what some posters are pushing in here.

 

[26Mats]

But if Dach doesn't return to his 2nd line center duties, Habs have 3 wingers for the 2nd line next season.

Newhook is not a 2nd line center option despite what some posters are pushing in here.

Yes, they would have to find a 2c, most likely externally. I don't think Kapanen or Newhook are 2c's. I doubt Hage would be ready. Some say Demidov may be a center. But probably not this early, if he ever even becomes a C.

 

[OldCraig71]

Slaf is back and they’re leaving Dach on the 1st line? Interesting.

That's actually a good idea. Dach is getting his confidence back and Newhook will have a good player on his line in Slafkovsky. It probably only stays that way for a short time but it's a good short term move.

 

[Yep]

Man our top 6 is garbage holy

But is our garbage top 6?

 

[OldCraig71]

The first line has looked better with Dach instead of Slafkovsky in my opinion. I think it's better to keep the first line intact and give Slafkovsky and Newhook a chance to gel to see if we can get a 2nd line working.

They won't change anything while the team is winning or players are producing.

 

[RationalExpectations]

The first line was excellent with Slaf as well though. I also have my issues with Dach at 2C considering how bad he is on the dot, but also that he simply wasn't productive there. I think they might be hoping Slaf brings a little life to the 2nd line more than anything.

I'd like to see him at LW too, I think it s nice that they want CC to be on his offside for his one shot but since Slaf is more of a playmaker I wonder if his natural side would not suit him better.

But is our garbage top 6?

which would make MTL bottom 6 ?

 

[The Great Weal]

The first line has looked better with Dach instead of Slafkovsky in my opinion. I think it's better to keep the first line intact and give Slafkovsky and Newhook a chance to gel to see if we can get a 2nd line working.

This season? Maybe but they played a handful of games together and Suzuki wasn't at his best to start anyways. Overall? With Slaf they were one of the best lines in the league.

 

[The Great Weal]

Man Dach is so overrated. The best he's shown is being a purely complimentary piece to Suzuki-CC. Slaf should be back there, he's shown on nights he can be the best player on that line.

He is the most overrated piece on the Habs, but I think the right strategy for now is to help him get back to game pace.

 

[ChikN]

I'm interested to see if Slaf can ''carry a line'' and keep the puck a bit more. You can tell with Caufield and Suzuki he keeps it super simple, clean 2 touch hockey and defers to them a lot.

 

[Naslundforever]

I would have preferred Slaf with Dach on the 2nd line, than forcing Slaf to carry Newhook/Armia who have looked terrible together for 10 games now.

The way Slaf has been playing he is not carrying anyone. Good stats off some nice passes but not 1st line material otherwise. Could be good for Slaf (and for Suzuki’s sake for that matter) to play away from opposing 1st liners.

 

[1909]

I just hope some jerks in the stands won’t boo Wright. Show a bit of class please.

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

Man our top 6 is garbage holy

Has been for 30 years brother

 

[Beaker]

I’m happy to see Slaf will need to drive some plays on his own rather than look for Caufield & Suzuki. He did it before but not so much this season. It also lets Dach continue to build some confidence and rhythm.

 

[Habssince89]

Great test for slaf, and wise to not disturb a line that's working.

Going to miss this one, but I'm calling a 5-3 habs win

 

[Sasha Orlov]

Has been for 30 years brother

No kidding

 

[Tyson]

If you want to be in the mix...you have to bank 2 points against teams like Seattle.

 

[Redux91]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1851271295264076181

https://x.com/i/web/status/1851271373445898252

Bah
Wish they went with Dach + Slaf

The problem isn't 'who do you play next to Suzuki caufield!!' right now
It's we have 4 top 6 guys for 3 top line spots

So make a duo for each line Marty ffs, c'est pas compliquer

 

[Jaaanosik]

Or he needs to make the 2nd line just as good.

That's going to be new #1 line.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Bah
Wish they went with Dach + Slaf

The problem isn't 'who do you play next to Suzuki caufield!!' right now
It's we have 4 top 6 guys for 3 top line spots

So make a duo for each line Marty ffs, c'est pas compliquer

Waiting for two things:
- MSL to accept Newhook Armia ain't gonna happen/
- MSL to realize the chemistry is Slaf-Suzuki not Suzuki-Caufield, and put Dach with Caufield.

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

Bruh, Newhook is abysmal as a C. He's a 3rd line W playing 2nd line C.

What relevance does that have. He wouldn't be centre on that line. He is fine as a 2w