Have you seen the lineup for tonight’s game against Ottawa?
If the answer is no, know that the guys from the Canadiens’ first line and Alex Newhook will not be in uniform. Kirby Dach will be there… with Joshua Roy and Joel Armia at his side.
It is therefore a good test for Quebecers.
But the injury to Patrik Laine (of which we are still waiting for news, by the way) does not only open a position in the top-6: it also opens a position in the alignment in general.
At the moment, we feel that Emil Heineman and Oliver Kapanen really have a chance to fight for a position. Both will play with guys who have plenty of pro mileage tonight in the middle of the offensive lineup.
More and more, we feel that Kapanen is a popular name in town.
Jeff Gorton, who recently visited the Sick Podcast – The Eye Test, also said that the Canadian wanted to keep Kapanen as long as possible at the club’s training camp.
The feeling I have is that the CH wants to keep him.
Because he has great experience in Europe and is very responsible, we see how he can find his way into the Canadian’s lineup. He’s good and it shows.
But since the center is busy, if he can manage on the wing, it will make him a versatile player who can help the CH in several game situations and who can bring depth to the center. That would make it very useful.
That’s why tonight’s test is important.
On this subject, note that Martin St-Louis said, speaking of the young man, that the club’s system ensures that a winger does not only play along the boards. If Kapanen is the first to drop back, for example, he will end up defaulting to center for some time on the ice.
We will follow his performances closely this evening… keeping in mind that Nick Suzuki already played on the wing at the start of his career.
In burst
– Are you okay, Kirby? ????
– Martin St-Louis likes what he sees from Adam Engstrom.
– Uh…
– Interesting.
– Two-year contract with the Alouettes.
