Patrik Laine “grumbles a bit and is all alone in his corner”

Patrik Laine is one of the players to watch today because of his health. Will the Canadiens’ mysterious forward be able to play tonight’s game?

All indications are that no, he won’t be able to play.

Right now, the word on the street is that Laine doesn’t seem to be in good shape to play tonight’s game in Washington. And Martin McGuire had more to say on the subject.

Last night, on 98.5 FM’s Amateurs de sports, the station’s game announcer said that, at yesterday’s practice, he wasn’t impressed with Laine.

In every aspect of his game.

I watched him at practice and Patrik Laine didn’t convince me that he was ready physically or mentally. – Martin McGuire on Patrik Laine

What McGuire said was that Laine was all alone in his corner, grumbling a bit. He doesn’t see him interacting with others, unlike elsewhere on the ice.

McGuire also believes that, in terms of his body language, it’s as if “the blinds are closed” in Laine’s case. That’s how the 98.5 Sports member wants to put it.

It’s worth noting that when other players do something that gets attention (like Cole Caufield falling into the tape, for example), the guys laugh it off with the main guy. But not with Laine.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard that Laine is sometimes a bit out of the loop.

We know that Laine’s knee and wrist hurt, but we also know that socially, it’s sometimes more difficult for him. These aspects, plus the fact that he’s not the hardest worker on the ice, are working against him at the moment.

To be continued.

in gossip

– Will he play tonight?

Aliaksei Protas is off the ice early from the Capitals morning skate, a good sign he will return to Washington’s lineup for the first time since April 4. We will maybe know more soon. Caps lead the series against Montreal 3-1.

– Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) April 30, 2025

– How to replace Alexandre Carrier, if he doesn’t play? [NYT]

– Read more.

Win or lose, the Avalanche have found a fit in deadline acquisition Charlie Coyle. My latest for@TheAthletic https://t.co/pHaUUrNe2U

– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 30, 2025

– Interesting.

The first offseason in a multi-year, total overhaul of Delta Center in Salt Lake City is well underway.#UtahHC says every lower bowl seat will have a complete view of the ice next season.

Unobstructed views for the upper bowl will follow, increasing capacity to 17k. pic.twitter.com/ZmweswgTFo

– Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 30, 2025