The Montreal Canadiens made some significant changes to their forward lines for their matchup against the Florida Panthers.
First, Canadiens rookie Oliver Kapanen has been dropped from the second line to Montreal’s fourth-line right wing spot. This is notable, as the 22-year-old forward has been a key part of the Canadiens’ top six this season. His 22 goals and 37 points in 77 games this season show that.
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However, Kapanen has also been experiencing a cold streak down the stretch. Heading into Montreal’s matchup against the Panthers, the 2021 second-round pick had zero points and a minus-3 rating over his last five games.
With Kapanen moving down to Montreal’s fourth line, Alexandre Texier has added to the Canadiens’ second-line left wing spot, forming a trio with Alex Newhook and Ivan Demidov.
Texier had been sidelined with a lower-body injury since March 24 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Yet, now the 26-year-old forward is getting a big chance with the Habs in his return.
In 38 games with the Canadiens since signing with them earlier this campaign, Texier has eight goals and 19 points. This is after he had one assist in eight games with the St. Louis Blues before mutually terminating his contract with the Central Division club.
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