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Martin St-Louis wastes no time making key decision after win vs. Wild


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Elias Edmonson
January 21, 2026  (10:49)
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Photo of Martin St-Louis
Photo credit: Screenshot

We got a small surprise today, as despite the win and a packed schedule, Martin St-Louis called an optional practice.

No day off after the Wild: the Habs hit the ice at 11:30 a.m. in Brossard.
The good news is that we'll get answers to our questions, notably whether a player like Arber Xhekaj will return to the regular lineup (and a regular pairing), or if he'll once again practice as an extra.
The day after the win against the Minnesota Wild, Martin St-Louis clearly chose one option: keeping the group in work mode.
This isn't a trivial detail, because on the day after a game, we often see a lighter day, or nothing on the schedule at all.
A late-morning practice still allows some time to recover, but the message remains the same.
In a season where every point matters, the Canadiens want to keep a tight routine, especially at this point in the schedule.

Martin St-Louis decides to hold a mandatory practice the day after the win against the Minnesota Wild, and we'll get answers regarding Arber Xhekaj and Patrik Laine

Practicing in Brossard also brings everyone back into a familiar setting, at the CN Sports Complex, rather than the Bell Centre as is the case on game days.
On Wednesday, the Habs didn't choose comfort, they chose pace. A small decision, but a big nod to fans who want to see the machine keep moving.
Speaking of last night's game, let's also remember this "sneaky" play by Ivan Demidov.
And of course, let's remember that Cole Caufield gave his team the win late in the game, in front of Team USA GM Bill Guerin.
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Martin St-Louis wastes no time making key decision after win vs. Wild

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