As the Washington Capitals enter Game 7 tonight, Coach Bruce Boudreau may entertain some possible changes after toggling the line up the past couple of games to no avail.
Below are some possible changes that may occur:
Shadow Michael Cammalleri
Cammalleri has already netted five goals (two in Game 6) along with 5 assists in the series. Considering that Montreal has had difficulties lighting up the lamp this series even with Cammalleri, the Caps may want to force someone else to score.
Montreal has provided Ovechkin a personal escort on the ice; it's only fitting the Caps return the favor. He may not be as prolific a scorer as Ovechkin, but in this season ending elimination game he is their go to guy in the series.
It's not uncommon for the Caps to provide personal attention on the ice to a specific player as Ridley and later Poulin often were a reflection in the mirror to Super Mario or Jagr. Someone like Walker or Chimera springs to mind like an excellent candidate.
Sit Schultz or Morrison in favor of Erskine
If you're in an elimination game and are the favorite it's about time to stop adjusting your roster in a match up situation to the competition and force them to adjust to yours. It's a classic situation of do you go to a smaller and quicker lineup to match up better or as the Bullets often pondered force the other team to go big by extending Big Gheorghe Muresan's minutes.
The size of Schultz doesn't appear to be a factor on defense and he hasn't made much of an impact on offense. As for Shaone Morrisonn, he's had another less than spectacular post season. Considered more of a defensive defenseman he's turned the puck over way too much in his own zone as well as failed to clear the crease.
If you're going to go down why not go swinging with one of the guys that brought you to the dance? Erskine provides the tough rugged tenacity and imposing identity on the blue line that the team has lacked in the series. He may not have the speed, but playing a role in the final pair in a reduced capacity and PK unit couldn't hurt to change the momentum of the game.
Improve on the Power Play
The Caps post season power play has been a lesson on futility. The passes aren't precise nor is the decision making. The team must move the puck more quickly to force the defense to move and thus create more shooting lanes. If the Caps can skate and pass the puck more quickly they can also force Halak to move from side to side creating better scoring chances. Beyond anything else the team must shoot the puck more when opportunities present themselves and be in position to scoop up the many rebounds Halak has been generous to leave on the table that in the last few games has gone untouched.
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