Patrik Laine confirms: several guys were asleep yesterday… including him!

A few days ago, Patrik Laine promised that we would see“the best version of Patrik Laine” this season. This was in response to his coach, who had said that we could possibly see the best version of his player this season. But after two preparatory games, we have to admit that this is not the case. I know, I know: they're only preparatory games. Of course ,Laine scored yesterday on the powerplay, and that's his #1 job. But apart from those few seconds, it was difficult for his line, which wasn't facing the most formidable opposition. A snowball's chance of survival in hell is becoming more and more of a statement for this trio. .. In reality, it was clear that his line had no intention of playing on 200 feet, and that's a problem. It's all very well for Laine to use the “I'm going to be more than frank with the media” method again, claiming that several guys – including himself – were asleep on the ice yesterday, but he'll have to put his money where his mouth is. It

was 7-2, that says it all… some guys were sleeping, myself included.”

Patrick Laine on tonight's game – Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) September 26, 2025

The fact that the Habs lost isn't the biggest problem with yesterday's game: it's the way the club played that is. It's the fact that, for the first time in camp, Martin St-Louis didn't feel his club moving forward. That's the problem.

You want to give Patrik Laine the benefit of the doubt because of the injuries, but the number of lazy plays continue to add up.

Yes, he scored a rocket on the PP, but at 5v5, it's been a very difficult last five period. Let's see if he's able to adjust his pace and decisions – Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) September 26, 2025

But obviously, Laine isn't the only guy who needs to be mentioned when talking about yesterday's game. There are many elements to take into account, so what are they? 1. Let's start with the positive. Martin St-Louis named the two players who impressed him most yesterday. Mike Matheson(whom I praised last night) is one. The other? Filip Mesar, who is having a good camp. He'll have to start well in Laval to hope for a recall, but at the moment, we have to admit he's doing what he has to do.

Martin St-Louis mentions that the two players who impressed him tonight were Mike Matheson and Filip Mesar

– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) September 26, 2025

2. After a superb first preparatory game, Samuel Montembeault escaped yesterday. He gave up five goals on his first 12 shots… while his defense just abandoned him. Jacob Fowler (he was scheduled to play, by the way) gave up two goals in the third.

3. I know a lot of regulars were missing yesterday. But we'll just have to hope the Habs haven't picked up where they left off in the fall of 2024, when they took a big beating every five games.No need for that in 2025-2026.4. Joshua Roy hasn't shown he's a camp essential. Compared to a Vinzenz Rohrer, for example, he seems to have understood his role less, andRoy hasn't earned any points compared to the likes of Owen Beck or Florian Xhekaj. 5. The first line didn't do badly and had its chances. Nick Suzuki was responsible for Mike Matheson's goal… but let's just say it's hard to take anything positive from yesterday's game. Actually, it's not true: Juraj Slafkovsky is feeling better on the ice.

Juraj Slafkovsky:

“I feel faster on the ice than before. I also feel that the game is slowing down” – Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) September 26, 2025

6. Kirby Dach's knee has obviously held up. And if we're going to continue giving positive feedback on the top-6, we have to note Ivan Demidov's hands.What a player, for real.

The best part of this Habs game so far was this Ivan Demidov assist on Patrik Laine's PP goal

pic.twitter.com/gmvJWoZIkO– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) September 26, 2025

7. Michael Pezzetta understands that in Toronto, his role will be to stir up (as was the case here, obviously) the shack. How many games will he play in 2025-2026?

'prolongation'

At 10 a.m. this morning, there'll be a practice. How angry will the coach be? What elements will be practiced for tomorrow night's game in Toronto? Answers soon.