Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Forward Alexandre Texier did not take part in the Montreal Canadiens’ practice this morning in Buffalo, and his return to the lineup will have to wait.
The players hit the ice at KeyBank Center on Sunday morning.
It was the final practice before boarding the plane.
Texier was not with his teammates for a second straight day.
He had already missed Saturday night’s game against the Sabres.
It’s a situation the team’s medical staff will be monitoring closely.
“Martin St-Louis’ line combinations remained intact, with the extras –– Patrik Laine, Samuel Blais and Jayden Struble –– entering on rotation.
Alexandre Texier was held out of the session. The team announced prior to Saturday’s matchup that the forward is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.”
– Montreal Canadiens
Martin St-Louis kept the same line combinations as in yesterday’s win.
The absence of No. 85 forces Joe Veleno to remain in the regular lineup.
Veleno is centering the fourth line while awaiting the injured player’s return.
Kirby Dach remains at center on the team’s top offensive unit.
Alexandre Texier held out again as Canadiens keep lineup unchanged
The hope is simply that this is not an injury that will drag on too long this time.
Every missed game is a missed opportunity to establish himself for good.
Meanwhile, Patrik Laine continues to practice with the extras.
Samuel Blais and Jayden Struble were also part of the group of spare players.
The game against the Wild will take place Monday night at the Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota.
This road trip will be a good test of the group’s depth.
Managing the lineup is becoming a daily challenge for the head coach.
Lower-body injuries often require patience.
The team will share further updates before the opening faceoff.
Martin St-Louis will have to find internal solutions to win.
Previously on All Montreal Hockey
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