Montreal Canadiens: Tom Pyatt Latest To Be Used As Second-Line Saga Continues

What a dreadfully long week it's been, guys. 

No Canadiens hockey and no beer make Steve go something something— if you know your Simpsons references.

The wait is almost over as the Canadiens welcome the New Jersey Kryptonite on Thursday evening—or Devils as they are known to the NHL world. 

Montreal's performances against Lou's crew haven't exactly been outstanding over the years. Mainly because of St-Leonard native Martin Brodeur and the devilish trap system that Jersey has implemented in the past. 

Luckily for the Habs, New Jersey (1-4-1) is off to an absolutely horrendous start to the season.

Thirteen is usually a lucky number for us Italians, dressing 13 forwards is not bringing any luck to Mr. Lamoriello's squad. Maybe a win against the Habs is exactly the boost needle Dr. Confidence ordered.

As Ilya and the Kovalchuks leave the Jersey Shore, Jacques Martin is wearing his Marie Curie hat and experimenting with his second line yet again.

Today's Tom Pyatt, Mean mean pride

Looking to add a little bit more energy to his second line, Martin has enlisted Tom Pyatt at left wing in replacement of Travis Moen.

The question still remains, can he make the difference and make super-friends Cap'n Gionta and Sergeant Gomez understand that the war has started, and the grenade pin has been pulled?

Is a quick-skating defensive forward the answer to Jacques Martin's prayers?

Maybe he is. Allow me to elaborate.

As opposed to Benoit Pouliot, Pyatt is usually the conqueror, not the conquered in the both of his zones.

It looked like speed was the issue with Travis Moen, as he was out of the cameraman's shot for seconds at a time. While his line-mates crossed the blue line, Moen often remained stranded at Jean-Talon station waiting for the next train.

Getting behind the defense should be an easy task for these three. Martin will likely have them play a little triangle hockey as both wingers can attack the zone from the outside based on the fact most teams will be looking for Gomez to sneak it in up the middle.

Speed is no longer a factor now, can't hurt the coaching staff to try it out.

Once the d-man makes a move, they'll be looking to pass. If no options are available, the puck is dumped, allowing Pyatt or Gionta to get over those blue-liners again. Puck movement and velocity is the key here, boys and girls.

Let's see...Grit, check. Speed, check. Defensive play, check.

Offense, does not compute? 

The big question mark about this adjustment is Pyatt's ability to actually create and finish the play. It is no doubt a solid opportunity for the 23-year-old; he needs to carpe the diem like there's no cras.

Keeping his stick glued on the ice will be essential in the slot, passes from Gomez often come very quickly and will require hand-eye coordination he might not have.

Giving birth to the play by using all of his aforementioned skills will be his responsibility on the second line. When in doubt, Tom should not hesitate to pass it to his point man and keep his feet moving.

Establishing chemistry with his new line-mates early could potentially let him keep this promotion. Since Martin has literally exhausted all his other options, Pyatt should be coming in with a clear mind and ready to play.

On a side note, I swear I didn't steal Kirk Muller's notepad—not yet at least.