Canadiens make first decision ahead of crucial game vs. Senators tonight
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
We have a first announcement for you today, ahead of tonight's game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Senators, live from Ottawa.
No morning skate on Saturday, and the message is clear.
Martin St-Louis chose to give his group the day off instead of offering clues on the ice.
"The Canadiens are not scheduled for a morning skate on Saturday."
- Montreal Canadiens
- Montreal Canadiens
On a game day, it cuts short the speculation, but it also fuels the questions.
Fans want to see who jumps on the ice, who's wearing a regular jersey, and who stays on the sidelines.
Right now, the real suspense revolves around three names: Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach, and Jake Evans.
We'll have to wait for the press conference to find out whether they will return to the lineup tonight.
Martin St-Louis keeps the mystery until the press conference
If Patrik Laine returns, it's not just a name coming back, it's an extra card in the deck, especially at a time when the power play is still searching for answers.
Last season, he played 52 games and scored 20 goals with 33 points.
In his career, he has already piled up 224 goals and 422 points in 537 games.
Kirby Dach, meanwhile, had 10 goals and 22 points in 57 games last season, before adding 5 goals and 7 points in 15 games this season.
His career total now sits at 128 points in 284 games, a number that shows he already has solid experience despite everything.
And Jake Evans, last season, played 82 games and produced 36 points, including 13 goals.
With a game day that includes no morning skate, we won't have the luxury of an answer before Martin St-Louis speaks.
Another situation to monitor: the identity of the starting goaltender, now that young Jacob Fowler is back with the Laval Rocket.
Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
Canadiens issue update on Martin St-Louis after stepping away for family reasons
Canadiens issue update on Martin St-Louis after stepping away for family reasons
| POLL | ||
9 HOURS AGO | 506 ANSWERS Canadiens make first decision ahead of crucial game vs. Senators tonight Who should return to the lineup for tonight's game? | ||