The Blue Jackets of Columbus, direct rivals of the Montreal Canadian in the playoff race, are found in troubled waters.
At one point only in front of Montreal for the last place of the Wild Card, the slightest disturbance could have a major impact on their future.
And this disturbance arrived, striking at the heart of their alignment: the injury of Sean Monahan.
Monahan, who lived a renaissance with Columbus this season, represented a candle of ignition for the team.
With 14 goals and 27 aids in 47 games, he proved that he could still hold his rank after years marked by injuries.
But now an unfortunate collision with defender Kris Letang in a match against the Penguins changed the situation.
Result? Monahan will have to be absent between six and eight weeks, leaving a huge void in the center of Blue Jackets.
With Monahan unavailable, Columbus loses his second center and, above all, a key player in critical situations.
An absence which, ironically, could serve the Montreal Canadian.
Montreal, for its part, could not fall better. With only one point behind Columbus, Martin St-Louis’ team now has an opportunity window to get ahead of Blue Jackets.
However, everything is not so simple. Blue Jackets, although weakened by this loss, are not without resources.
Adam Fantilli, one of the most promising recruits in the League, could well raise his level of play to compensate for the absence of Monahan.
-Zach Werenski, a blue line pillar, will also have to raise his game to keep Columbus competitive. And we must not forget the unpredictable aspect of the series race, where each match can switch to a detail.
But for Montreal, this injury could be the decisive moment. If the team manages to maintain its momentum and capitalize on the weaknesses of Columbus, it could seize this coveted place in the Wild Card.
The whole is based on their ability to avoid missteps, an easier to say task than to do for a reconstruction team.
That said, there is a counter argument that deserves to be explored.
Sean Monahan, even injured, remains a model of resilience. If his rehabilitation progresses faster than expected, he could come back just in time to give a helping hand to Columbus in the last straight line.
In addition, Blue Jackets have often been a team that surprises when expectations are the lowest. Betting against them could be a mistake.
In the end, Monahan’s injury changes the dynamics of series race.
For Montreal, it is a gold opportunity to surpass a direct rival, but nothing is guaranteed.
One thing is certain: the coming weeks will be crucial to determine if the Canadian can transform this blow of fate into a decisive advantage.
To follow …
