Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Josh Anderson’s illness creates a fascinating lineup possibility for the Montreal Canadiens.
Since Alexandre Texier already remained in Montreal to treat a more serious injury, the team is now short on regular forwards.
Faced with this road emergency, several observers are now pointing toward the highly polarizing Patrik Laine situation.
According to what’s circulating behind the scenes, Laine has reportedly been physically ready to return to action for quite some time.
However, head coach Martin St-Louis has still refused to insert him into the lineup for several weeks.
Will Martin St-Louis finally give Patrik Laine the green light?
The simultaneous loss of Josh Anderson and Alexandre Texier could ultimately force the coaching staff’s hand.
Facing the powerful Carolina Hurricanes with a reduced offensive lineup represents an extremely difficult challenge.
Reintegrating a natural goal scorer of Patrik Laine’s caliber would certainly inject a significant boost of energy into the Canadiens’ offense.
If Martin St-Louis continues to leave him out, general manager Kent Hughes will have to manage a complex emergency call-up from Laval.
All eyes will be on Sunday’s warmup to see if number 92 finally makes his long-awaited return.
“If he can’t go, they can dress Xhekaj and go 11-7.
If not, they can make an emergency recall, since they’d have less than 12 healthy forwards.
(Ensuing 4848393 Laine questions)”
– Marco D’Amico
And if it were your decision, would you like to see Patrik Laine back in the Montreal Canadiens’ lineup as early as tonight?
Patrik Laine, 27, is a 6-foot-4, 208-pound forward who was selected second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2016.
He has recorded 1 point in 5 games this season, after collecting 33 points, including 20 goals, in 52 games last season.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Josh Anderson’s illness could force Patrik Laine back into the Canadiens’ lineup vs. Hurricanes
Should Martin St-Louis insert Patrik Laine into the lineup against the Carolina Hurricanes?