I was expecting Price to start both games but I'm happy to see this.
Halak is better than a normal backup and I think he should have more playing time because of it. We've got two excellent young goalies -- might as well take advantage of that and keep both fresh. Carey is the #1 guy but there's no reason to play him in back-to-back games right now.
With arguably the best team of the 3 games in 4 nights on Monday, it seems to make sense to split the Friday/Saturday games and keep your #1 fresh for Monday.
I wish Carbo put our last 2 lines (until Higgins/Laraque are back) as:
S. Kost - Lang - Lapierre
Begin - Chipchura - Kosto
But my guess is Carbo wants Dandenault in the lineup in case he needs him to help out on D. Hopefully Chipchura will be in the lineup soon and he'll continue to outplay Lapierre like he did in pre-season.
With back to back games, it makes sense to play your back-up against the weaker team. This is not surprising at all. I am interested to see how the third line plays. It's an interesting mix to say the least.
I'm sure we'll see a lot of mixing around with the bottom forwards, so hopefully nobody's too upset with the situation of guys like Begin, Kosto, Chips and Lappy.
why isn't Chipchura in the lineup? and why is Dandenault in the lineup?
Because Chipchura would be in Hamilton right now if not for the injuries and they want to respect a veteran like Dandenault.
Like it or not, Dandenault will remain with the team and get in some games. I'd love to see Chip play like anyone else instead of Dandenault and a few more but...
What a sissy 4th line. Where is Kostopoulos ?! Begin will have to hit for 3 ? Damn.
Kostopolous is on the third line.....
Quote:
Originally Posted by gorman03
why isn't Chipchura in the lineup? and why is Dandenault in the lineup?
Perhaps Dandenault is in the lineup as there may be worries about Hamrlik and Markov's preseason injuries, and he gives us the versatility to drop him back and not be short a dman if one of them can't finish the game.
If Chipchura is only in Montreal because of the injuries, Carbo should play him. This guy needs the ice time, players don't get any better sitting in the press box. If he isn't gonna suit up for the Habs send him to Hamilton and let him play.
