Justin Barron victim of a dangerous gesture; game over for Tanner Pearson

Injuries to the Tricolore are a tradition. It’s a tradition that’s been going on for too many years, and one that’s about to come to an end.

But this curse isn’t going to end tonight. Why not? Because Tanner Pearson was injured at the very end of the first period.

The team has confirmed that he will not be returning.

Tanner Pearson will not return to action tonight (upper body).

Tanner Pearson will not return to tonight’s game (upper body)#GoHabsGo

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) December 10, 2023

He joins a long list of forwards on the sidelines.

And don’t blame the doctors.

Just after halfway through the second period, Justin Barron gave the fans a good scare.

He was the victim of a dangerous move by Eric Robinson, who was ejected from the match.

Fortunately(!), the defenseman returned to the game, having left for the dressing room.

Montreal even took advantage of the five-minute power play to score a goal. Nick Suzuki, 14 seconds after Jayden Struble’s first goal, doubled his team’s lead.

Extension

When the 52 was checked, the players riveted on the opponent to protect him. A far cry from the Montembeault-Petry incident a few years ago…

Speaking of protecting teammates, Cole Caufield went after a guy much bigger than him in Tage Thompson. The latter had hit Juraj Slafkovsky in the back in the first period.

Caufield going after Thompson after he hit Slafkovsky. pic.twitter.com/2S04JSfByp

– Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) December 10, 2023

It’s nice to see such team spirit.