Since the revolutionary idea to put our 3 best players together, to form a line (Alex Tanguay, Saku Koivu and Alex Kovalev,), the Habs have been 5-0-1 in their last 6 games, and have been playing some of their best hockey in a very long time. This line has recorded 34 points in their last 6 games which is simply remarkable and has really helped the Canadiens come together at the right time. What has really hurt the Canadiens so far this season is the fact that the Habs have not had a top line to turn to. When the Canadiens have really needed a goal to tie or ice the game, they have had no one to rely on.  Last year the Habs had the Kovalev, Plekanec and A. Kostitsyn line, which was one of the hottest lines in the league. For over 90% of this season the Habs have not had a line like the one of last years, but finally after many, many tries the Habs have finally found a solution, the A.K.A line (Alex Tanguay, Saku Koivu and Alex Kovalev). Not only have we found a very solid 1st line, the Habs have also put together an amazing 3rd line as well, a line which brings a ton of energy and hard work every game (Guillaume Latendresse, Max Lapierre and Tom Kostopoulos). Not only have they found a great 3rd line, but with the acquisition of Glen Metropolit, the resurgence of Mathieu Dandenault and tough guys Georges Laraque and Greg Stewart helping out as well, the Habs have found a great 4th line, which brings toughness, speed and grit. The only problem now is that the Habs 2nd line, which has been dismal, with players like Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn, Tomas Plekanec and Chris Higgins, the Habs 2nd line should be putting up many goals, which they are clearly not. Secondary scoring is very critical in this league and the Habs are not getting it as of now, so thank G-d the 1st line is playing as well as they are. Moving forward the 2nd line desperately needs to step it up or the Habs could be in some trouble.

Just to clarify how important a true 1st line is, I’ll use three teams as an example. The Edmonton Oilers, 1st line consisted of Ales Hemsky, Shawn Horcoff and Dustin Penner, that line was good for a while but later on, those 3 lacked the chemistry that they once had. Now there has been a rotation of their 1st line pretty much every game since. The San Jose Sharks 1st line of Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Devin Setoguchi has been incredible for the whole season. Those 3 players have been on the same line for pretty much the whole season, and because of that, they have built a great deal of chemistry. Whenever the Sharks have needed a big goal, or needed a big stop, that line has always been on the ice and has always performed. I believe the Washington Capitals have the top line in the entire league, with Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin the Capitals clearly have an exceptional amount of talent, which has made them such a great team as of now. Now the Oilers who have a true lack for a 1st line are fighting for a playoff spot, while the Sharks and Capitals who both have great 1st lines have clinched a playoff a long time ago.

To sum it up, I believe the 1st line could make or break a team, and if the Habs 1st line could continue playing like they are as of now, I truly think that the Montreal Canadiens will be just fine!

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