NSH@MTL: Relaunching the power play

BROSSARD - After changing the makeup of his forward lines at Monday's practice, head coach Claude Julien is also shifting things around among his power play units.

At morning skate at the Bell Sports Complex on Monday, defenseman Ben Chiarot was used on the point on the second power play unit, while Jeff Petry was reunited with captain Shea Weber on the first unit.
The Canadiens are looking for ways to spark a power play that has only managed two goals in the past 19 opportunities.
"We want to make changes to our power play to find solutions for scoring more goals. We moved the puck well the past few games, but we're lacking finish," explained Julien during his pregame media availability. "We made two units in the hopes of scoring more. We put Shea Weber back together with Jeff Petry on the first unity. We needed a defenseman on the second unit. Ben has a good shot, and we're going to try this out tonight."

The Habs' 17.9% effectiveness with the man advantage has them ranked 21st in the NHL this season.
However, Montreal is struggling with its power play at home, presenting a 12.6% success rate up a man in 36 games at the Bell Centre.
"We have to just simplify. When it comes down to it, you have to outwork the penalty kill. You have an extra guy out there, you have to create 2-on-1's. Just simplify now. For a little time now, I think we've been trying to maybe make the extra little pass or extra play," outlined Weber. "If you watch around the League, a lot of the goals are getting scored with shots and rebounds and simple plays - get pucks to the net, and then find those second pucks."

The Canadiens haven't found the back of the net on the power play in eight games.
Chiarot's presence on the second unit could help them out of the funk, especially because of his booming shot.
"Kirkie [Kirk Muller] believes in me, my shot, and my ability to move the puck around," mentioned Chiarot, who has nine goals and 21 points in 68 games. "I'm just getting an opportunity."

Paying tribute to one of the greats
The Canadiens will pay tribute to Henri Richard during their pregame ceremony prior to their game against the Nashville Predators.
The former Habs captain passed away on Friday at age 84.
Julien's troops understand that emotions will be running high when the club honors the "Pocket Rocket."
"Habs players, especially the special ones like an Henri Richard, you know what they meant not just to Montreal but to the province of Quebec and across Canada. You see when we go across Canada how many Habs fans there are in every rink," expressed Chiarot. "It just speaks to how special this team is to our country, and players like Henri Richard are a big reason for that."

Nick Suzuki, for his part, may be just 20 years old, but he's heard a lot about the 11-time Stanley Cup champion since the news of his passing hit.
"He was a real true champion. He had, I think, two Stanley Cup-winning goals, so many Stanley Cups; that's everyone's dream when they enter the NHL," explained the rookie forward. "I hear how much of a winner he was and how hard he competed each day."

Notes
The Canadiens will once again have to do without the services of forwards Jonathan Drouin and Tomas Tatar for the Predators game. Even if he skated at practice for the second time in as many days, Drouin won't be able to suit up against Nashville.
Montreal's bench boss added that he should have an update on Tatar's situation after Tuesday's game.
"Jonathan won't play tonight. He hasn't gotten the green light from the team's medical staff," said Julien. "In Tatar's case, we should have more details tonight. He's not ready to come back. We should be able to give you more information after tonight's game."

It's also Country Night presented by LASSO Montreal at the Bell Centre on Tuesday. For tickets to the game,
click here
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