Hockey

Martin St-Louis has said it: he doesn’t think Patrik Laine could help him in the third
Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Martin St-Louis has said it: he doesn’t think Patrik Laine could help him in the third
Credit: Getty Images

For all those who say the Habs can't bring back Arber Xhekaj in a formula with 11 forwards and seven defensemen, Martin St-Louis gave us proof yesterday that it can be done, playing with fewer than 12 forwards in the playoffs.

And why? Because in his team's 3-1 loss, he cut his bench in the third period.

Emil Heineman on the ice twice… Joel Armia once… Patrik Laine none at all… Clearly, the coach got his messages across yesterday.

The problem is, did the guys on the other end of the line get the message? Especially the 92…

But in any case, if some didn't get the message during the game, Martin St-Louis made sure he made himself understood during his meeting with media representatives.

If a guy with that kind of scoring talent can't help you, the rest of his game is crooked and not for laughs. And yesterday, the rest of his game was more than crooked…

Yes, Laine obviously has a sore knee, but that can't be an excuse. And now that he's done that, you have to wonder whether he'll play tomorrow.

At the moment, there are two opposing camps concerning Laine. Not playing him in the third went down well with most, but not letting him dry out on the bench at six-to-five.

Some believe he could have taken Christian Dvorak's or Brendan Gallagher's place because of his talent.

But for others, seeing him left out until the end is a good message. And in the name of corporate culture, not sending him to the end is a strong message.

Émile Poirier, an old hand at the game, thinks he'd rather lose with Dvorak than send Laine out in those conditions. Nothing less.

But hey. Yesterday's game wasn't just about Patrik Laine. There were other players who, for better or worse, deserve to be talked about.

What can I take away from the game?

1. Nick Suzuki does a lot on the ice. But yesterday, credit must also go to Christian Dvorak's line, which is enjoying a superb run so far.

The center scored the CH's only goal with help from Josh Anderson (what a great playoff player: he loves to shuffle) and Brendan Gallagher. And it's no coincidence: the boys deserved to open the scoring in the game.

2. You're obviously allowed to punch people in the face in the playoffs.

For the past two games, the Capitals haven't been shy about it. Brendan Gallagher took one in Game 1, as you know… and yesterday, Cole Caufield ate sherwood. And he wasn't happy. #WithRaison

Referees may put their whistles away during the playoffs, but there are limits to what can/should be tolerated. Blows to the face like that can't be tolerated.

If Xhekaj was there- ah pis let it go.

3. After the match, Juraj Slafkovsky met the media. Slaf didn't play a perfect game, but I thought he was better than in the first game of the series

And what did Slaf say?

First of all, he looked destroyed, a little on the verge of tears. He thinks it's a shame that the CH has to be “perfect” to win, and that as soon as one element isn't present, the club can't win.

And he knows he has to be better.

4. Yesterday, Jake Evans missed a wide-open goal. It was a bit reminiscent of Artturi Lehkonen back in the day… who, ironically, also missed a golden opportunity to score yesterday in Colorado.

If Evans scored, the story of the game would be different.

5. The third pair struggled yesterday. David Savard didn't play the best game of his career, but to consider taking him off for the next game wouldn't be a good idea in my eyes.

But Jayden Struble…

6. Samuel Montembeault was excellent once again yesterday. He gave away two goals quickly, but more often than not, he managed to close the door on his teammates.

Early in the game, when only the Capitals knew they had the right to shoot on goal, the Quebecer closed the door. He made saves that gave his team momentum.


overtime

If you put things in perspective, seeing the CH in the playoffs is unhoped-for. It's great experience for what's to come in the next few years for this young group.

But in the short term, the CH isn't doing enough to win.

The good news for the club is that the series is moving to Montreal. Today, the CH will travel to Quebec and tomorrow, there will be a home game at the Bell Centre.

Will this have an effect? It depends on how many players get up.

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