Without center Nicklas Backstrom (fractured left thumb), the Caps will make some adjustments to the lineup tonight. The biggest? Putting rookie center Marcus Johansson on the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Mike Knuble. It isn’t the first time that’s happened this season. But it was also clear to Bruce Boudreau that at times Johansson became too deferential to his veteran teammates. Understandable for a 20-year-old in his first season in North America. But he’ll get another shot tonight.
“I just think [Johansson is] playing really good. So let’s put him there and if it’s not working we’ll change,” Boudreau said.
No guarantees, obviously. If things aren’t working Boudreau will make a quick change. But he at least wants to keep Jason Arnott and Alex Semin together on the second line. Those two seem to be working well together so far so don’t mess with a good thing.
After today’s morning skate, Johansson gave us some insight into playing with a star like Ovechkin and how he has to adjust.
“When he’s playing his game he needs to have the puck and I do too, I think,” Johansson said. “I think with a player like that you have to play together a couple of times, get to know each other a little bit. It’ll be a big challenge, but if I have a good night it’s going to be really fun.”
That doesn’t seem like the best match for Ovechkin on the surface. Johansson is more of a straight-ahead player at this early point in his career than a true playmaker. At his best he uses his speed to get past opposing defensemen and get the puck into the offensive zone. Then again – that particular skill has its advantages, too, and Ovechkin should be able to take advantage of it. We’ll see how they work together tonight.
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