Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens’ head coach must adjust his lineup against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Carrier will definitely miss tonight’s game in Tampa Bay, and he will also reportedly miss the remainder of the regular season.
This unexpected absence forces the organization to make an important decision on the blue line.
Two logical options are currently available to the coaching staff for the game.
Arber Xhekaj and Adam Engstrom are the main candidates to fill this defensive gap.
Engstrom represents an interesting option to support the team’s transition game, as he has had an outstanding season with the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League.
Otherwise, we already know very well what Arber Xhekaj can bring on defence.
Xhekaj’s physical edge vs Tampa Bay makes dual deployment with Engstrom a real option
Xhekaj brings an essential physical dimension against a heavy team like Tampa Bay.
Leaving Xhekaj out once again would send a clear message about his usage, but at the same time, we know Martin St-Louis is eager to see Adam Engstrom in action.
A physical defenceman becomes an absolute necessity in this type of direct matchup.
At the same time, there is indeed a possibility of seeing both in action tonight, especially if Josh Anderson remains out due to that nasty virus.
We’re really looking forward to seeing how this situation unfolds!
We are eagerly awaiting the final Montreal Canadiens lineup.
And if it were your decision, what would you do with Adam Engstrom and Arber Xhekaj following Alexandre Carrier’s injury?
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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3 HOURS AGO|283 ANSWERS
Carrier’s injury forces Martin St-Louis into a major Canadiens lineup decision in Tampa Bay
Would you prefer to see Arber Xhekaj in the lineup tonight instead of Adam Engstrom?