As the old saying goes, travel broadens the mind. For this first preseason game on an opposing rink, the Canadiens will be counting on several young guns against the Maple Leafs on Thursday night in Toronto.
Oliver Kapanen and Owen Beck will each receive a second rep at center. Author of two assists in his first game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Kapanen will patrol a new unit with Joshua Roy and Joel Armia. Since the start of camp, the Finn had played with Emil Heineman and Alex Barré-Boulet.
“It’ll be good, it’s a good test against the Maple Leafs,” Kapanen said. “But for me, it’s another chance to show where I’m at. I’m looking forward to that game.”
“Even though I won’t have the same wingers with me, I’ll need to play another good game,” he added. “There are always changes during a season.”
Beck, meanwhile, will find himself at center with Barré-Boulet and Riley Kidney.
On the blue line, Lane Hutson, David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom will be in uniform.
The Canadiens will face a very tough Maple Leafs. With the exception of captain Auston Matthews, the vast majority of the Leafs’ big names will play.
Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, Morgan Rielly, Christopher Tanev will all take to the ice at Scotiabank Arena. Former Habs captain Max Pacioretty will also be in action.
“We’re going to focus on our group,” St-Louis said. “That’s what you have to do in camp. You can’t get intimidated by what’s on the ice. You have to play the game. »
Guhle: day by day
Out since the start of camp due to appendix surgery, Kaiden Guhle has returned to solo skating. He will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.
