Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach ruled out for tonight's game vs. Senators
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Friday, several observers genuinely believed that Patrik Laine would return to action as early as Saturday night against the Ottawa Senators.
Reinforcements were expected, but the shift is now clear.
Jake Evans is expected to return to the lineup tonight against the Ottawa Senators, while Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine won't be in uniform.
The starting goaltender remains unchanged, with Samuel Montembeault set to be in net.
Turn of events: no return to action for Patrik Laine tonight
"Of the injured players, only Jake Evans is a possibility for tonight.
Again, probable he plays. We'll see who comes out for him, as a couple others are nursing some bumps and bruises." - Eric Engels
Again, probable he plays. We'll see who comes out for him, as a couple others are nursing some bumps and bruises." - Eric Engels
No Patrik Laine, nor Kirby Dach for that matter.
The remaining question is a simple one.
If Evans plays, another forward has to give up his spot.
Martin St-Louis wants to wait until after the warmup before confirming the name.
In all of this, Evans comes in as a stabilizing piece to the puzzle.
Last season, he played 82 games and recorded 13 goals and 36 points.
When you add those kinds of minutes to an already tight lineup, it forces a difficult decision.
Imagine what it will be like when Laine returns (and Dach as well).
Laine still scored 20 goals in 52 games last season, which says a lot about what's missing when he's not there.
Dach, meanwhile, has 7 points in 15 games this season, and his absence leaves a very noticeable hole down the middle.
Martin St-Louis:
"I think Jake is going to play."
Jake Evans is likely to return to action tonight, but not Kirby Dach or Patrik Laine.
We don't know who will be scratched if Evans plays.
Samuel Montembeault will be in goal.
No changes on defense."
- Patrick Friolet, RDS
"I think Jake is going to play."
Jake Evans is likely to return to action tonight, but not Kirby Dach or Patrik Laine.
We don't know who will be scratched if Evans plays.
Samuel Montembeault will be in goal.
No changes on defense."
- Patrick Friolet, RDS
It's shaping up to be an interesting night.
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