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Martin St-Louis is breaking tradition, abandoning fixed defensive pairings for a rotating system for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n
We can all agree this will require massive adjustment from the players.<\/p>\n
Imagine young Lane Hutson potentially changing partners every shift for the remainder of the schedule.<\/p>\n
Yet this morning at practice, the pairings looked clear. Mike Matheson skated with Noah Dobson, while Jayden Struble supported Lane Hutson on the blue line.<\/p>\n
Alexandre Carrier was paired with Kaiden Guhle. But the coach quickly cooled expectations, warning not to rely on what’s shown on paper.<\/p>\n
According to Nicolas Cloutier of TVA Sports, this unconventional approach is now the new standard for the Canadiens.<\/p>\n
The team no longer wants to rely on established norms from the past.<\/p>\n
A major test against the Boston Bruins<\/p>\n
From the way St-Louis speaks, the defensive pairings you see on the lineup sheet may not mean much by the end of the season.<\/p>\n
“I don’t care about norms.”<\/p>\n
– Martin St-Louis via Nicolas Cloutier<\/p>\n
The timing is notable for launching such an experiment. Tonight, execution without mistakes will be critical as the powerful Boston Bruins arrive with their usual offensive firepower.<\/p>\n
Defensive issues have been a constant concern at the Bell Centre this season.<\/p>\n
Can a fluid rotation truly fix the current chaos in their own zone?<\/p>\n
If the transition game improves, Martin St-Louis will look like a genius.<\/p>\n
If not, pressure will quickly mount from fans already demanding answers from the organization.<\/p>\n
Communication will need to be flawless among defensemen. Without natural chemistry, coverage mistakes could pile up as early as the first period against Boston.<\/p>\n
We’ll see whether this strategic shift boosts offensive production or turns into a disaster. For now, all eyes are on puck drop.<\/p>\n
Previously on All Montreal Hockey<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
22 MINUTES AGO|12 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
Canadiens adopt rotating defense vs Bruins as Martin St-Louis says ‘I don’t care about norms’<\/p>\n
Do you approve of Martin St-Louis’ decision to break up the duos?<\/p>\n
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