MTL@WPG: Changing things up a bit

WINNIPEG - Head coach Claude Julien is tweaking his lineup for Saturday night's all-important game against the Jets.

The veteran bench boss is making Jesperi Kotkaniemi a healthy scratch, and moving Jordan Weal up to center the line with Jonathan Drouin on his left and Joel Armia on his right.
Meanwhile, Matthew Peca draws back into the lineup for the first time since February 25. He will take Weal's spot on right wing on a line with Nicolas Deslauriers and Nate Thompson.
During his pre-game press conference, Julien expanded upon his rationale for sitting the young Finn versus Winnipeg.
"You see the fatigue in his game. Having been through a long season, it's totally normal for an 18-year-old," explained Julien, who previously sat Kotkaniemi for the same reason for games in Los Angeles and San Jose back in early March. "We need to win hockey games here. We need to put our best lineup together and hopefully giving him some rest will give him an opportunity to finish strong with the next few games coming up."

Peca, meanwhile, has spent the last 15 games watching from the sidelines patiently waiting for his chance to suit up.
"It's definitely not easy, but I won't approach it any differently than I would a regular game if you're in the lineup on a regular basis," responded Peca, when asked about his mindset heading into the key encounter in the Manitoba capital. "For me, it's just keeping it simple, playing my game. You don't want to force anything, you just want to give the team some energy and be good on the little things and things will go well."
Recipe for success
After being thumped in Columbus earlier in the week, the Canadiens have to find a way to best the Jets in their own barn.
While there's no magic formula to downing Paul Maurice's contingent, Julien believes his group needs to do a few key things correctly in order to come away with a W.
"We have to skate well and move the puck well. We have to play quickly and be strong around the net, score goals. That's what has given us success since the start of the season," emphasized Julien. "They're a team that likes to skate, too. It should be a good challenge on both sides."
It most definitely should be, and Julien knows his players are well aware of just how significant this game is in terms of keeping their wild-card hopes alive.
There really isn't anything left to be said in that regard.
"The guys know how important this game is. At the same time, you don't want to make a mountain out of it because you don't want the guys to go out there tight," mentioned Julien. "When they're loose, but they understand the outcome of what's at stake, that's the best way to prepare for a game. You go out there, play, hopefully have some wings tonight and play a fast game like we've done this year when we've had success."
Peca certainly understands the magnitude of the occasion.
"I don't think the coaches need to tell us anything," said Peca. "We know what's at stake and we know how it stung to lose to Columbus. It's a pretty good test for us and we need to have a pretty good response. It's going to be a statement game for us and the remainder of the season going forward."

Armia is back in familiar territory
Saturday night's game will mark Armia's first game back at Bell MTS Place since being acquired by the Canadiens during the offseason.
The 25-year-old Finn spent three years in Winnipeg and has been eagerly anticipating his return.
"I'm excited and happy to be back here. It's a fun rink to play in," said Armia, who played 179 games in a Jets uniform, amassing 26 goals and 58 points along the way. "It's a good hockey city and the crowd gets really loud here. It's a good spot to play hockey."