The Montreal Canadiens were expected to make some lineup changes as they are down 3-0 in their Stanley Cup Final series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Ahead of Monday’s Game 4, we know what some of those changes are.
UPDATE: Interim head coach Dominique Ducharme confirmed that Jake Evans will draw in the lineup. Alexander Romanov and Brett Kulak will be in the lineup, but there will be a rotation and they may not always play together.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi was wearing a grey jersey as an extra at morning skate while Jake Evans was wearing a regular jersey.
The line rushes also hinted at changes as three of the lines saw some movement.
Les trios
CHANGEMENTSToffoli-Danault-Gallagher
Caufield-Suzuki-Anderson
Byron-Evans-Lehkonen
Armia-Staal-Perry— Alexandre Gascon (@GasconAlexandre) July 5, 2021
Ducharme said that they wanted the Evans line with Paul Byron and Artturi Lehkonen back together without breaking up the duos of Brendan Gallagher and Phillip Danault, and Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield or the line of Joel Armia, Eric Staal, and Corey Perry.
On defence, Alexander Romanov skated with Brett Kulak, while Erik Gustafsson was with Jon Merrill. Both Kotkaniemi and Gustafsson were taken off of the power play at Sunday’s practice.
Ducharme already said that Carey Price would be starting Game 4. Price said that he has more to give in this Stanley Cup Final after Friday’s Game 3.
