Important update on Patrik Laine ahead of game against the Senators
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
We have three important announcements for you, live from Ottawa, involving the Montreal Canadiens.
Three players are genuinely nearing a return to action, and three returnees could be in uniform as early as this Saturday (tomorrow) against the Ottawa Senators.
"Patrik Laine also on the ice in a regular jersey.
So, Laine, Evans and Dach all back at practice."
- Eric Engels
So, Laine, Evans and Dach all back at practice."
- Eric Engels
The time for major decisions is approaching for Martin St-Louis.
Imminent returns to action for Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine, and Jake Evans
Good news in Ottawa: Laine, Evans, and Dach did indeed skate in regular jerseys.
The Montreal Canadiens had scheduled a practice at 1:00 p.m., followed by a media availability.
And, quickly, one thing stood out.
Three important players were back on the ice, wearing regular jerseys.
That guarantees nothing for Saturday, but it's rarely a coincidence. Especially knowing that the Canadiens just cleaned up their roster by sending players down to Laval.
For Patrik Laine, it's a detail that changes the tone.
This season, he has played only five games and has one point, one assist.
Jake Evans was also back on the ice.
So far, he has 34 games under his belt and 10 points, including five goals.
Kirby Dach was also there, and that is taken as another piece of good news.
What's interesting is the timing with the demotions of Jacob Fowler and Owen Beck.
When you anticipate players returning to action, you want to free up space.
And when you see three guys returning at the same time in practice, you better understand why things moved.
Now, the real test will be to see who can return as early as Saturday.
The Canadiens don't have the luxury of waiting weeks if the guys are ready.
And for once, it looks like the list of good news is longer than the list of bad.
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