Montreal focuses on just one issue during practice Sunday
While the Montreal Canadiens' head coach Dominique Ducharme elected to focus on just one issue at practise on Sunday, despite the fact that there are other parts of their game that need to be improved. Ducharme, according to Sportsnet's Arpon Basu, did nothing but have his players drill the powerplay in every scenario, including 5-on-4, 5-on-3, and 4-on-4.
Basu stated that there were changes made to both the first and second PP units. Defenceman Jeff Petry was placed back on PP1, while Joel Armia was placed on PP2.
"Erik Gustafsson is not working with the PP at all, which is a tell," said Basu. If Montreal isn't going to use Gustafsson on the powerplay, it's unlikely they'll dress him at all. The team has done everything in its power throughout the playoffs to limit Gustafsson's ice-time outside of the man advantage.
Basu also stated that Jesperi Kotkaniemi was pulled from the second powerplay unit, something that didn't sit well with fans who feel he's the only left-handed threat the Canadiens have. There also seems to be a feeling that Ducharme isn't overly fond of Kotkaniemi and takes every opportunity he can to reduce his ice-time.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that changes are being made up and down the lineup. The Canadiens find themselves in a 3-0 series deficit against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Many have wondered if young defenceman Alexander Romanov might get back into the lineup. No official word on that yet. Ducharme has already stated he has no plans to try backup goaltender Jake Allen, and will stick with Carey Price for as long as the Habs are alive in the finals.
