Canadiens shake up lines at practice with Texier missing again
Three forwards are officially back in the mix up front for Martin St-Louis and the Montreal Canadiens.
Yes, things are moving in Brossard today: Kirby Dach was placed on the first line, alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
Alexandre Texier missed a second straight practice, and that forces Martin St-Louis to improvise quickly.
When a guy skips two practices, it's rarely just a small routine detail.
The Suzuki-Caufield duo, for its part, continues to be the reference when the Habs are looking for a spark.
Last season, Nick Suzuki played 82 games and collected 89 points. Cole Caufield also played 82 games and finished with 70 points, including 37 goals.
Kirby Dach enters the picture for Martin St-Louis and the Canadiens
In that context, Dach becomes an intriguing option. In 15 games this season, he has 5 goals and 7 points.
For a player who is re-entering the picture, this is the kind of opportunity that could be very interesting.
"Alexandre Texier is missing a second straight practice.
In his absence, Kirby Dach is skating at right wing on the first line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield."
- JF Chaunont
In his absence, Kirby Dach is skating at right wing on the first line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield."
- JF Chaunont
Meanwhile, Texier had taken the spot on the first line. Last year with the St. Louis Blues, he played 31 games and recorded 11 points, but he has truly taken off this year.
The most important thing is what comes next: is this a one-morning test, or a real shift for the first line?
The Habs have often shuffled their lines when things heat up, and the next practices will set the tone.
If Dach keeps that seat, it will definitely be something to watch!
With Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach, and Jake Evans, that makes three big names up front to fit into the lineup for Martin St-Louis and his assistants.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 19|1674 ANSWERS Canadiens shake up lines at practice with Texier missing again Should Kirby Dach stay on the Canadiens' first line? | ||
| Yes | 1046 | 62.5 % |
| No, Texier | 571 | 34.1 % |
| No, Bolduc | 57 | 3.4 % |
| List of polls | ||