Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Martin St-Louis confirmed major news regarding Alexandre Texier that completely changes the dynamic of his lineup against the Sabres.
The Canadiens’ head coach is forced to juggle his lines at the very last minute.
An unexpected injury will keep the French forward out of the lineup for tonight’s matchup.
It’s a cold shower for Texier, but this absence opens a huge door for other players seeking ice time.
Joe Veleno takes advantage of this opening to rejoin the lineup after having cooled his heels in the press box.
The Red Wings’ 2018 first-round pick (30th overall) could help the Habs.
However, the real story grabbing attention is not Veleno’s return, but the domino effect at the top of the lineup.
Martin St-Louis has decided not to do things halfway to compensate for this loss.
Kirby Dach is being vaulted directly onto the team’s top offensive unit.
“Forward Alexander Texier will not play in tonight’s game due to a lower-body injury. Joe Veleno will replace him in the lineup.” – Canadiens
Kirby Dach completes the Suzuki and Caufield duo with the Montreal Canadiens
The 6-foot-4 center will have the heavy task of complementing the dynamic duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
The objective is clear: use his size and reach to create space and retrieve loose pucks for his wingers.
We know Dach has magician’s hands, but he now has to prove he can keep up with the pace of the team’s two best players.
This combination offers an intriguing mix of playmaking vision, elite shooting, and physical presence.
It’s a risky gamble for St-Louis, as it disrupts his other lines, but the situation demanded it.
For Joe Veleno, the pressure is different but just as intense tonight.
He must show that he is more than just a replacement player capable of filling a hole on a Saturday night.
The Canadiens’ brass will be watching his response to adversity very closely.
Tonight, this isn’t just a regular-season game — it’s a full-scale laboratory for the future of Montreal’s offense.
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Canadiens make last second lineup change vs Sabres as Alexandre Texier ruled out
Will Kirby Dach record at least one point on the first line tonight?