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St-Louis Makes Final Decision on Patrik Laine and Reveals His Starting Goalie for Game 5
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
We had several questions ahead of tonight's game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals.
First, regarding Laine, a final decision has been made. It might be related to what happened during practice.
In short, Laine will not be in uniform tonight in Washington.
Martin St-Louis announces a decision has been made regarding Patrik Laine, who will not be in the Canadiens' lineup tonight
This was confirmed in a press conference just minutes ago.
I remain convinced that if it were absolutely necessary, if Nick Suzuki had the same injury, for example, he'd be in the lineup.
Decision in net with Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes
The other announcement is less surprising, but the Canadiens' head coach also revealed that Montembeault isn't even with the team in Washington.
Jakub Dobes will therefore get the start for this do-or-die Game 5 against the Capitals.
"Jakub Dobes will make his second straight start for the Canadiens tonight.
Samuel Montembeault (likely a lower-body injury, though the Canadiens didn't specify) did not travel to Washington for Game 5."
- Dan Rosen, NHL
Samuel Montembeault (likely a lower-body injury, though the Canadiens didn't specify) did not travel to Washington for Game 5."
- Dan Rosen, NHL
And finally, defenseman Alexandre Carrier is officially a "game-time decision."
As for Patrik Laine, Martin McGuire had a lot to say about his attitude:
"I watched him at practice, and Patrik Laine didn't convince me he was ready physically or mentally. He was grumbling a bit, keeping to himself. There wasn't much interaction with other players [...] in terms of body language, it was like the blinds were closed!"
- Martin McGuire
- Martin McGuire
More to come.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 30 | 1888 ANSWERS St-Louis Makes Final Decision on Patrik Laine and Reveals His Starting Goalie for Game 5 What's your prediction for the outcome of this series between the Canadiens and the Capitals? | ||
| Montreal in 7 | 589 | 31.2 % |
| Washington in 5 | 962 | 51 % |
| Washington in 6 | 274 | 14.5 % |
| Washington in 7 | 63 | 3.3 % |
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