David Savard and Patrik Laine will be absent in a third successive match, the first due to an injury (upper body) and the second due to the flu. After three games without participation, should we be concerned about the situation of the two athletes? In the case of Laine, I don’t think so, but in the case of Savard, his absence could last longer than desired.
During Savard’s absence, Jayden Struble found himself on the frosty surface, he who was not as effective as the veteran in the blue-white-red zone. We can also thank the Quebecer, who greatly participated in the return of confidence belonging to number 72, Arber Xhekaj, who has been playing like a real NHL brigadier for several games.
During the game against the Colorado Avalanche, Struble had a “correct” performance, being used for 10:03 minutes. These minutes of use certainly demonstrate that Martin St-Louis’ confidence in number 47 is not the same as for number 58. All things considered, if he does not put on his uniform during Friday’s game against the powerful Washington Capitals, the CH will have to provide additional details.
To replace Laine, Martin St-Louis will certainly go by committee, as we saw against the Colorado Avalanche. On the second unit, in addition to a few brief presences from Michael Pezzatta, Joel Armia, Nick Suzuki and Emil Heineman were there. Note that Pezzetta, who serves as the 12th forward in uniform, only skated for 4 minutes and 32 on the ice.
That said, between the posts of Sainte-Flanelle, it is Samuel Montembeault who will come and chat with them, he who will be playing a 14th game in the last 16 of the Montreal Canadiens. It is therefore he who will face the enigmatic Vancouver Canucks, who have only recorded three victories in their last ten games.
