Craig Berube wants to be ready for “CH’s physical players”

Tonight, at the Bell Centre, we will be treated to a big game between the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs. We know that the two clubs, who don’t like each other very much, are doing very well these days… so much so that we can expect a big match.

And above all, in a match that arouses the interest of fans.

It will therefore be a duel of heavyweights if we rely on the recent successes of the two clubs… but it could quickly turn into a duel of heavyweights in the other sense of the word.

The reason? Ryan Reaves will be in uniform tonight… and Craig Berube made this decision to “be ready to face the Canadian’s physical players.”

Obviously, when we think of Reaves and the Canadian, we also think of Arber Xhekaj. After all, we’re talking about two heavyweights in the league… and above all, two guys who have history.

Last season, both threw down the gloves in the first game of the season.

That said, things have changed a lot since then. Xhekaj fights a lot less, and above all, he is able to help the CH in other ways, he who does an excellent job alongside David Savard.

Meanwhile, Reaves is having a… special season. In fact, in 28 games this season, the Maple Leafs tough guy has as many battles as goals on the clock… and he’s still looking for his first goal this season.

On the other hand, Reaves hasn’t become a good boy: he admitted this week that he can’t wait to throw away the gloves because “it’s been a long time.”

So we can expect to see it picosser Xhekaj this evening… but the CH defender must not fall into the trap. He is much more important to the CH than Reaves is to the Leafsafter all.

If Michael Pezzetta is still in uniform tonight (there have been no call-ups from Laval yet, so we should expect to see him play), I wonder if it’s him who will “take care” of Reaves. As long as he spends almost the entire match on the bench, he may well spend a few of these minutes in the penalty box.

But clearly, we should expect things to get rough this evening. THE Leafs seem to keep the CH’s physical players at bay, and if Reaves is in uniform (he hasn’t been a regular in the lineup for a month), it’s because we want to send a message.

Let’s at least hope that we don’t exceed the limits. Imagine if Reaves had to make a nasty move on Lane Hutson…

In burst

– This will be something to watch out for.

– Wow!

– The Atlantic is extremely raised.

– Damage.

– Larry Brooks is not ready to blame (only) Chris Drury for the Rangers’ woes.