Should The Habs Bring Oliver Kapanen Back Into The Lineup?
During Wednesday night’s Sick Podcast post-game show for Game 1 of the Montreal Canadiens vs. Sabres series, Tony Marinaro and Brian Wilde discussed potential changes that the Habs should consider for Game 2. One of the things talked about was the 2nd line centre, of which Wilde mentioned that he believes that Oliver Kapanen should be back in the lineup to fill that role for Game 2. In Game 1, Jake Evans was the 2nd line centre on a line with Alex Newhook and Ivan Demidov; however, he isn’t really a good fit as a more defensive centre. That 2nd line centre seems to remain a hole, but Kapanen was the best fit there throughout the season. With that being said, there could be some value in seeing how he looks vs. the Sabres in Game 2.
Should Oliver Kapanen draw back into the lineup for Game 2?#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro @BWildeMTL pic.twitter.com/7vGl2157fG
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) May 7, 2026
Given how much he struggled in the first 4 games of the playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning, it seemed like the pace of playoff hockey was possibly too fast and physical for him. However, the Sabres play a much looser open style of play that could allow Kapanen room to get in position for good scoring chances, while Demidov sets him up like he did all year. The truth is this series will need production from the Habs’ top 6 forwards if they want to win, and while they don’t have a legitimate 2nd line offensive centre, they do have Kapanen, who has good chemistry with Demidov, which is why it is worth giving him another shot to have a potential second line that can provide scoring.
Now on the flip side, Kapanen has really slowed down since the Olympics, as for the first time in his professional career, he’s had to play 80+ games in a season before playoffs, whereas he was used to playing about 40 games in Liiga or the SHL in his past. With that being said, the Habs forward, who finished 3rd among NHL rookies in goals with 22, is likely very tired from all the games that he has played this year. Nonetheless, out of all the options that the Habs have tried this year, he’s been the best fit there with Demidov. Therefore, it may be good to go back to Demidov-Kapanen and one of Newhook or Juraj Slafkovsky to get that line going.
#gohabsgo game 2 lines against #letsgobuffalo :
Demidov-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Bolduc-Dach-Caufield
Newhook-Danault-Gallagher
Texier-Evans-AndersonHutson-Dobson
Matheson-Carrier
Guhle-Xhekaj/StrubleDobes
Fowler#slaf #habs #ghg #ch #canadiens #mtl #hockey #nhl— Alexis Wode (@WodeAlexis) May 7, 2026
Although, one thing that hasn’t been tried and, with the way Kirby Dach and Zack Bolduc have been playing, could be a good idea is those two on a line with Demidov. The defensive game may lack a bit, but if they are sheltered as an offensive line, that trio could give the Habs much needed offence. Many fans believe that it may be time to try it to attempt to get more offence from the top 6 that have really struggled in the playoffs thus far.
As great as a Bolduc-Dach-Demidov would be, head coach Martin St. Louis would probably rather opt for a line that can be more responsible; therefore, Kapanen may be the best option to make that happen. Meanwhile, the Habs can also put Evans back on a line with Phillip Danault and Josh Anderson to create that elite shutdown trio once again. One thing for sure is Evans doesn’t fit in an offensive role.
Evans isn’t the solution playing along side Demidov. Kirby Dach or even reuniting Oliver Kapanen with Demidov. He’s wasting away without some offensively skilled linemates #Habs #GoHabsGo
— Habs Nation (@Habzter) May 7, 2026
Honestly, the lineup for Game 2 against the Sabres should see changes as the Habs need to find a way to add more offence, but the question is what would be the right lines to make that happen?
Do you agree with Wilde that the Habs should bring Kapanen back, or would you rather try Dach with Demidov?
