Andrei Kostitsyn called up after disappointing and embarrasing loss to the Leafs
According to TSN.ca, Andrei Kostitsyn has been recalled from the Montreal’s AHL team, the Hamilton Bulldogs. If any of you remember the rookie camp of the Habs, the big story was which rookie would crack the lineup: Latendresse or Kostitsyn. While we all now know the outcome of that, both players played extremely well in pre-season (yes, I know they mean nothing) and showed promise of being able to perform in the NHL.
Although most recalls are usually done to provide depth, Kostitsyn’s recall should not be taken so lightly. He is not a fourth liner, and really only fits in on a scoring line. Given how poorly the 4th line has been playing, having to deal with both Murray and Downey on it, this call up is obviously meant to counter the loss of production from Higgins’ injury and to balance out the lines.
If I had to wager a guess on where Kostitsyn will be playing, as he will be with the team in Ottawa, it will be on the third line. Begin will be moved back to the fourth, which is good news for our checking line which has proven to be ineffective with both Murray and Downey on it.
Latendresse – Koivu – Ryder
Samsonov – Kovalev – Perezogin
Kostitsyn – Bonk – Johnson
Begin – Plekanec – Murray/Downey
After Murray’s play last night, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him sitting out and Downey dressing
Huet, as per Carbo’s 2-game goalie schedule, will be in nets.
Dandenault will not dress, as he is still not completely recovered, but is coming close and is traveling with the team. Bouillion is slated to return for mid to late Decemeber. That will leave us with 8 NHL defencemen around the trade deadline (just thought I’d throw that out there).