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Michael Pezzetta must not be an option for tomorrow’s game
Jonathan Di Gregorio
Michael Pezzetta must not be an option for tomorrow’s game
Credit: Getty Images
The Canadiens, currently trailing 3-1 in their series against the Capitals, are facing elimination and looking for a spark to regain momentum.

One of the areas in which the CH is being outplayed by Washington is toughness.

After the first two games, many journalists and spectators were calling for Arber Xhekaj to be added to the line-up to bring more solidity, which he did in Game 3, without solving the Caps’ problem of physical dominance.

Last night, TVA Sports journalist Anthony Martineau suggested adding Michael Pezzetta to the lineup for tomorrow’s elimination game.

One of the points he makes is that Pezzetta is the kind of player who “hits non-stop and tears his heart out” and that he was hoping to play in the playoffs for the Tricolore.

Personally, I don’t think the forward is the solution for the CH.

A player who plays six minutes a game isn’t going to solve the team’s toughness problem, just as Xhekaj didn’t solve it by playing an average of 11:28 minutes in those two games.

And let’s not forget that the Habs lost three close games to the Capitals where a single goal could have swung all three games in our favor, and the CH could especially use a little offensive contribution from other threes than the first.

Let’s also remember that the Habs have just five goals in their three losses.

And in my opinion, Pezzetta is far from being the solution to the CH’s attack, as he has no points in 25 games this season.

I’ll take Olivier Kapanen ahead of him offensively, even though he’s been rather quiet since the start of the playoffs.

If the Habs absolutely want to add an extra element of toughness to their fourth line, I’d go with our sheriff’s little brother: Florian Xhekaj.

In addition to being able to hit and throw the gloves, the younger Xhekaj also scored 24 goals in his rookie season, a franchise record for the Laval Rocket.

The forward could bring both a physical AND offensive element to the CH’s fourth trio.

Between Florian Xhekaj and Michael Pezzetta , I’m going with the MP without hesitation.


In gusto

– The players arrive in Washington.

– It’s never easy in the playoffs!

– Big game!

– Max’s starting eleven.

– Welcome to Montreal!

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