Patrik Laine and Alexandre Texier scratched in projected Canadiens lineup vs Sharks
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Martin St-Louis has decided to keep his lineup intact at practice, leaving Patrik Laine and Alexandre Texier on the extra skater bench.
We can agree that St-Louis doesn’t mess around with the puck.
It’s simple – chemistry finally seems to be building between Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach. That first line has to drive the offense if the team hopes to climb the Atlantic Division standings.
Behind them, young Ivan Demidov continues his development alongside Juraj Slafkovsky and Oliver Kapanen. It’s quite a vote of confidence for the kid to play in a top-six role this early.
Patrik Laine’s return as an extra is going to spark conversation in the city. A player with his talent unable to secure a spot – that’s a situation heating up.
Meanwhile, the defensive corps is showing quick transition play with the duo of Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson.
Mike Matheson and Kaiden Guhle form a steady pair that stabilizes execution in the eye of the storm. Their average ice time will once again be critical in protecting the goaltender.
Patrik Laine and Alexandre Texier remain extras as Martin St-Louis keeps Canadiens lineup unchanged
No changes to the Canadiens’ lineup at practice:
Caufield-Suzuki-Dach
Slafkovsky-Kapanen-Demidov
Anderson-Danault-Gallagher
Newhook-Evans-Bolduc
Texier, Laine (extras)
Hutson-Dobson
Matheson-Guhle
Struble-Carrier
Xhekaj
The battle for a regular spot on the blue line is far from over.
Seeing Zachary Bolduc on the fourth line with Jake Evans and Alex Newhook highlights the current depth.
Every decision by St-Louis is being scrutinized closely. The focus is on controlled zone entries and eliminating costly mistakes in the neutral zone.
The goaltending situation is also being monitored closely, as no confirmation has been given regarding the next starter.
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Patrik Laine and Alexandre Texier scratched in projected Canadiens lineup vs Sharks
Should Patrik Laine return to the top six in the next game?