Any idea why Armia and Romanov weren't in in the first place?

Armia it’s because he was in COVID protocol and arrived in tampa few hours before the game.

Romanov it’s because they prefer vet D over him

Ahhh gotcha. Not playing Armia made no sense to me... but it does now. Romanov I guess you can argue. But I find them better with him in the lineup.

Armia might've been off his 'game day schedule' because of the late flight so likely he's back in no matter what.

Romanov it's a whole other discussion. Gus hasn't been bad enough or made glaring mistakes enough times to take him off the line up, I'd argue that lately he doesn't seem to bring much to the PP so his utility in the lineup is ok at best (Remember we paid a 7th round pick in 2022 for him at 50% retention) BUT when Romanov plays he just runs around the ice like a dog playing at the park and doesn't always understand when to go for a change leading to him extending his presence waaay too much. I love the kid, yes he plays heavy and is fast and has some offensive flair but if you're stuck on the ice for basically back2back shifts you're hurting yourself and the game plan. I think it's something that just needs time and mileage under his belt to understand that side of the game (When to get off) and he'll be fine but do you take a chance in the Stanley Cup final with him? I'd give one more game to Gus mainly because I don't want a cold Romy on the ice with Montreal not having the last change, in game 3 with the last change at home I could see it happen.