Photo credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images
In Tampa Bay, Martin St-Louis put the Canadiens back into game mode right from practice.
He unveiled his first line combinations following the return from the Christmas break, and they were fairly familiar looks for fans.
The first line had a clear identity.
Cole Caufield skated with Nick Suzuki and Zack Bolduc, a trio that can score quickly when things click.
Caufield already has 18 goals and 36 points in 37 games, while Suzuki leads the team with 42 points. Bolduc, meanwhile, has 17 points in 37 games and just scored a big goal in Boston.
On the second line, Juraj Slafkovsky was reunited with Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov.
Slafkovsky has 25 points in 37 games, Kapanen already has 11 goals in 37 games, and Demidov is up to 30 points.
When you put those numbers together, it explains why St-Louis wants to see them back together after the break.
Martin St-Louis sends a clear message at the very first practice and unveils his lines
Texier skated with Phillip Danault and Josh Anderson, a line that should see significant ice time.
On defense, the pairing of Mike Matheson and Noah Dobson remains at the core of the plan, especially with Dobson having been filling the scoresheet lately.
Lane Hutson was with Alexandre Carrier, and Arber Xhekaj alternated with Jayden Struble or Adam Engstrom, a typical setup upon returning from a road trip.
Nothing is set in stone, but the structure is already visible.
Caufield-Suzuki-Bolduc
Slafkovsky-Kapanen-Demidov
Texier-Danault-Anderson
Beck/Blais-Veleno-Gallagher
Matheson-Dobson
Hutson-Carrier
Xhekaj-Struble/Engstrom
Fowler
Jacob Fowler set to make history against Tampa Bay
The decision in goal is now confirmed. Jacob Fowler will get the start tomorrow against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Florida native will become the first Florida-born goaltender in NHL history to play a game in Tampa Bay.
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Jacob Fowler set to make history against the Lightning as Canadiens reveal projected lines
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