Line Em' Up Part 2: The Montreal Canadiens' D-Men, Special Teams, and Carey Price

In last week’s first of two installments, we evaluated Jacques Martin’s options in terms of offensive line combinations.

This week is all about defense and special teams, with a little word about Carey Price to add the cherry on top of the proverbial sundae.

Let’s get things rolling with the Habs’ defensive pairings:

Born in Russia, proudly Canadian
Keeping in mind that we’re analysing the best pairings, we absolutely have to to include Andrei Markov, regardless of him missing the start of the campaign.

Fresh off the heels of obtaining his Canadian citizenship, Markov will be again be leading Montreal’s defensive corps.

After missing close to three months with a lacerated ankle last season, the Dynamo Moscow product returned to post up 35 points in 45 games; Markov also had four assists in the playoffs before colliding with Pittsburgh’s Matt Cooke in Round 2—the very same injury he is now nursing back to health.

Ideally, number 79 will be lining up with Jaroslav Spacek on his right: A role that the Czech had to get accustomed to when he arrived on the Island. Just two years removed from tying his career best with 45 points, Spacek will be looking to rebound off of his lowest tally since 06-07.

Batman & Robin
I’ve always pictured Batman as a tall, strong hero with no superpowers and a whole lot of money. Hal Gill is the perfect comparison to Bruce Wayne in terms of those four attributes.

He troubles us like one of the Riddler’s brainteasers during the regular season but puts his cape on and becomes a superhero in the playoffs.

We all saw what he did to the Penguin(s) in the second round—hunting down Sid the Kid like the Joker escaping from Arkham Asylum.

But every superhero needs a sidekick.

That’s where Robin comes in, otherwise known as Josh Gorges to his close friends inside the Habs community: A smart and agile youngster that aids Batman in his quest for eliminating the opposition.

Gorges rarely makes mistakes inside of his zone, often times covering up for Gill’s missteps on the frozen surface. The only thing that can keep this tandem from staying intact would be injury. Writer Pierre Gauthier will surely kill-off Batman when this series ends, but as of right now, the Dynamic Duo lives strong as Gotha..Montreal’s second defensive pairing.

Using the veteran
Another player who will most likely miss the start of the quest is Roman Hamrlik. Entering his last year as a Hab, the Hammer could be enlisted as a mentor to Ryan O’Byrne and Calder Trophy hopeful "Showtime" P.K. Subban.

Montreal has to use the $5.5 million they’re paying him any way they can.

Hamrlik will have to use all the knowledge he acquired in his 18 years as a professional and coach the "kids" into becoming solid NHL blue-liners.

O’Byrne has garnered the tag of stay-at-home defenseman, the 6’5’', 235 pounder can become a big, physical presence if he learns from master Hamrlik.

The force is strong in this one.

Subban can become the first Hab to win the Calder Trophy since Ken Dryden did it in 1972. After his second call up to the big league, the Belleville Bulls alum adjusted to the NHL game very quickly. He saw loads of ice time in the playoffs often topping 24 minutes.

That’s what showing the offensive prowess of Calder winner Bobby Orr will do to you.

Powerplaying with your head
In the new NHL, smaller teams must absolutely have a very potent power-play. Montreal finished the season second in terms of power-play percentage.

For them to be able to steal a few games against bigger and stronger inner division rivals, 5 on 4 offense must be on point.

Markov will no doubt remain the quarterback when he returns for the end of October. Having PK Subban’s big shot at the point will make us forget Marc-Andre Bergeron even existed in a Habs uniform.

With Martin looking to use Lars Eller at both wing and center, one can only imagine seeing him impose his will on the opposition in front of the net. His size and velvet smooth hands will surely aid him in picking up a few points on the PP.

One thing is certain, Cammalleri’s brilliant top corner shot from the right face-off circle will return and everyone else in the league will have to be prepared for it.

In for the kill
After finishing with a respectable 12th position in terms of penalty kill percentage last year, the Canadiens picked up face-off whiz Jeff Halpern to lighten the load on Plekanec.

This also enables Scott Gomez to focus solely on his power-play endeavors along with unannounced captain Brian Gionta.

Martin has a plethora of two-way forwards to choose from when it comes to pairing up his penalty killers. Look for more Batman & Robin shot blocking as well.

Carey Price
No flashy title for this one folks. I’ll keep it short and sweet.

GoCarey Price will have to live up to his potential and in the words of the number one gate keeper himself, the fans will have to chill.