MTL@VAN: Defense by committee

VANCOUVER -- One does not simply replace All-Star defenseman Shea Weber in the lineup.

Case in point, the Habs will be tackling the task by committee beginning Tuesday night in Vancouver.
On Monday, it was announced that Weber would be out indefinitely after a nagging foot injury took a turn for the worse, leaving Montreal with a tough hole to fill on defense.
"No one can play the same way Shea does, so we're not going to go out of our way trying to play his style of game. We're just going to be a little sharper with our own style, and in turn that's going to help us out in the long run," explained fellow B.C.-born rearguard, Karl Alzner. "Big loss, but we've unfortunately had to experience it before. Also fortunately, I guess, because we know what to expect. Hopefully we'll be fine."

Indeed when it comes to silver linings, the fact that the Canadiens went 4-2-1 over seven games without Weber in November gives the club reason for optimism.
"We've got to have the same mentality as last time, and now's a great time to go on a bit of a run, too," continued Alzner. "So that's the plan, but we'll see how it actually happens when it comes down to it tonight. Guys are feeling the responsibility, but are also excited to give it their best again."
One Hab in particular who is excited for the opportunity is Joe Morrow, who should draw back into the lineup in Weber's absence.
The 25-year-old rotated D partners during Tuesday's morning skate, and Habs fans should expect to see more of the same once the puck drops at Rogers Arena.
"We've seen it before, [the coaches will] mix things up if necessary depending who's feeling it that night, and what the score is," acknowledged Alzner. "I imagine it will be the same tonight, but at this point I think we're used to it."
For what it's worth, Alzner spent an extended part of practice patrolling the blue line with Jakub Jerabek, but the 29-year-old warned the media not to read too much into the pairing.
"That was just the way that it kind of worked this morning. The coaches said don't worry about it, you're rotating with everyone. I don't know if that had anything to do with anything," admitted the 6-foot-3, 217-pounder. "We just kind of went to an end and started, but either way it won't matter. We all have the same game plan, so we'll be fine."
That game plan is a simple one.

"We want to see another level of desperation. We know that we can be really good. We've proven that at times, but we've also proven that we can have some pretty bad games," concluded Alzner, as the Habs currently sit five points behind Boston for third place in the Atlantic, and seven points behind the Islanders for the East's final wildcard spot. "I think that having that desperation right from the start of the game will be good for the team. We need to have a better emotional investment, and that will help us out."
Carey Price will get the start in goal at Rogers Arena, and Jacob de la Rose will be a healthy scratch on offense.
Game time is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. Montreal time, and will be broadcast on TSN2, Sportsnet Pacific, RDS, TSN690, and 98,5 fm.