Analyst proposes Cole Caufield top-line demotion as Canadiens target Game 5 shakeup

Lineup changes are being discussed for the Montreal Canadiens, and the idea circulating today is quite bold.

The Canadiens’ top six has been neutralized since the start of the series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

And with the series now tied 2-2, time is running out.

The Montreal Canadiens are searching for the right formula to spark their top players ahead of Game 5

The issue with Roussel’s proposal is that Newhook is not exactly having a strong series.

Is he really the solution to get Slafkovsky and Suzuki going again?

But in reality, those three currently form one of the rare lines that is working at five-on-five for the Montreal Canadiens.

Breaking them up carries risk.

Journalist Alexandre Pratt of La Presse proposes another approach: remove Demidov from the first power-play unit in favor of Bolduc or Texier.

That would bring a new look to a unit that is not producing enough with its opportunities.

And it would reward players who have been performing well since the start of the series.

Head coach Martin St-Louis now has a few hours to think it over before Game 5 Wednesday night in Tampa.

Will he dare to separate Suzuki and Caufield?

Will he adjust his power-play units?

There are many possible scenarios.

And Sunday night’s loss gives him reason to try something different for the rest of this series.

The answer will likely come Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa.