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The Canadiens just lit the fuse: a surprise press conference at 4:30 p.m. at the Bell Centre before the visit from the Jets and Markov Night.
No morning skate today for the Tricolore, but two major appointments late in the day, with Martin St. Louis set to talk lineup at 4:30 p.m., followed by Andrei Markov meeting the media around 6 p.m.
The message from the press conference is likely to revolve around defensive responsibility and adjustments to the lineup.
At the heart of the decisions, all eyes will be on the case of Adam Engstrom. Called up from Laval about ten days ago, the 22 year old defenseman already has 14 points in 18 games with the Rocket this season and is playing on a three-year entry-level contract with a cap hit of 896,667 dollars.
Even if the Canadiens have not confirmed anything yet, it would not be surprising to see Engstrom return to the lineup, which could force a defenseman like Jayden Struble or Arber Xhekaj to sit out.
No morning skate for the Habs;
Martin St-Louis will speak with the media at approx. 4:30pm to go over any line-up changes, etc…
Andrei Markov will speak with the media at 6pm ahead of his Canadiens homecoming.
– Priyanta Emrith
In net, all eyes are on Jakub Dobes. Montembeault faced the Senators yesterday and already allowed five goals on 29 shots, while Dobes is coming off a difficult game in Colorado, with seven goals allowed on 36 shots, but still holds a record of 8 3 2, a 3.22 goals-against average, and a .888 save percentage this season.
Andrei Markov finally celebrated as he should be
The second media event of the day will be more emotional. Andrei Markov, 46, returns to the Bell Centre for a tribute night that has been awaited for years, he who played 16 seasons with the Canadiens after being drafted in the sixth round in 1998.
The former number 79 left Montreal with 119 goals, 453 assists, and 572 points, in addition to having once earned an annual salary of 5.75 million dollars during his last major extension with the club.
In short, between a goaltender looking to rebound, a coach promising changes, and a former pillar finally being celebrated, the Bell Centre will have the feel of a double-feature evening this Wednesday.
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