Hockey

If Tim Stutzle plays on Saturday, he’d better keep an eye on Xhekaj
Charles-Alexis Brisebois
If Tim Stutzle plays on Saturday, he’d better keep an eye on Xhekaj
Credit: X

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth… Right now, the Senators must really be hoping that Ivan Demidov is okay. And if Demidov's wrist hurts again, Tim Stutzle may have to keep an eye on himself. And why? Because the Xhekaj might be looking for a bit of revenge on a big player from the other side. I don't know if Florian will play, though, as he might not make the club. I wanted to see him make the club before yesterday's game. I certainly haven't changed my mind. Games like yesterday's are going to happen throughout the season. And not only does Florian know how to approach them, the guy knows how to play hockey.He scored 24 goals last year…Did you notice that Nick Cousins waited until the brothers had left the game to go after Ivan Demidov? Renaud Lavoie (BPM Sport) thinks that Cousins yelled at the referees to get an extra 10 minutes to get out of the game, so he wouldn't have to face the music. If that's the case, he's as brilliant as he is cowardly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8joQN_6S60

I think we can all agree that the Senators set the tone for this game. With their… dubious line-up, they got hammered on points and punches. Will that carry over to Saturday? Will the leaders call each other to calm everyone down for the next preparatory game? Who knows, but Renaud Lavoie is right: that game had the effect of welding the Habs together. Now, on the Canadiens' day off, what cause do you think they'll rally around? It's not hard to figure out that it'll be yesterday's game, but what about the Sens? They're going to have to look in the mirror (which they probably won't) to figure out why they're causing trouble everywhere they go.Yesterday, they alienated not only the Habs, but also the fans of Quebec City, with that ordinary line-up. Clearly, the Sens have no idea how to attract fans in Gatineau, Montreal or Quebec City…

But that's not all we have to remember about yesterday's game. We could talk about a lot of physical elements (including the fact that Zack MacEwen got planted again by the Sheriff), but there were hockey elements to the game. What did we note, apart from all the plays that could earn a fine or a penalty?

1. Ivan Demidov created so many great plays that he even made Oliver Kapanen look good on the ice. Grant McCagg must be happy… Both guys did well. 2. Noting hockey elements wasn't easy in a game that resembled what was happening at Camp 2024 (either against the Maple Leafs or Sens), but I'll note this: Lane Hutson did well, making an impact with his talent. That's his mandate and he did it.

3. Patrik Laine scored on the powerplay and the game was so physical that he's not the one we're talking about when it comes to five-on-five. There weren't many five-on-fives yesterday, though.Good for Laine, then.

'en

– Ouch.

– What do you say?

– Of note.

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