Photo credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky are absent this morning at the Brossard sports complex for a well-deserved treatment day.
It’s fair to say that returning from the Olympic Games leaves its mark on the body, even for elite athletes in their prime.
Simply put, seeing our two spark plugs on the sidelines after such an intense tournament forces Martin St-Louis to juggle his lines.
Let’s be honest, the time change and the adrenaline of international games eventually catch up to anyone.
The Canadiens’ management is exercising caution by granting this break to its captain and its Slovak power forward.
The priority remains the regular season, and the team certainly does not want accumulated fatigue to turn into a serious long-term injury.
Fortunately, Oliver Kapanen was present at practice this morning, ready to take on more responsibility if the rest period for the two stars extends.
He looked very active on the ice, which offers some reassurance about the team’s current depth.
Canadiens practice: Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky absent for treatment day after Olympics
Suzuki is known for his legendary durability, but even an iron man needs to catch his breath from time to time.
As for Slafkovsky, his physical style of play at the Olympics likely left a few bruises that require particular attention from the medical staff.
Everyone hopes to see both players back in uniform for Thursday’s matchup at the Bell Centre against the New York Islanders.
“I expect them to be here tomorrow. Remember, the Canadiens play Thursday at the Bell Centre.”
– Marc-Olivier Cook
The situation will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis by the organization.
Fingers are crossed that this is simply a matter of recharging the batteries after the emotional intensity of competing on the world stage.
Previously on All Montreal Hockey
POLL
52 MINUTES AGO|30 ANSWERS
Canadiens without Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky at practice, return date announced
Are the Canadiens right to give Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky rest after the Olympics?