{"id":457044,"date":"2026-02-13T18:47:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T18:47:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/457044\/"},"modified":"2026-02-13T18:47:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T18:47:17","slug":"canadiens-fans-frustrated-after-oliver-kapanen-benched-entire-game-by-finland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/457044\/","title":{"rendered":"Canadiens fans frustrated after Oliver Kapanen benched entire game by Finland"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\nCanadiens fans frustrated after Oliver Kapanen benched entire game by Finland
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\n <\/p>\n

All Montreal Hockey has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA<\/p>\n

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Oliver Kapanen experienced a frustrating night with Finland\u2019s national team.<\/p>\n

Dressed for the game by head coach Antti Pennanen, the Montreal Canadiens prospect ultimately sat on the bench for the entire match.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be honest, this is the kind of situation that frustrates Habs fans. We want to see our young players get on the ice to develop \u2014 not collect dust on the bench.<\/p>\n

We have to call it like it is \u2014 this personnel decision seems peculiar from our perspective. Nicolas Cloutier of TVA Sports points out that it\u2019s common practice for the Finns to dress a player without actually using him.<\/p>\n

We can agree that for the rhythm of a young player of this caliber, spending 60 minutes watching teammates isn\u2019t ideal. Kapanen, who has played 57 NHL games this season, needs consistent reps.<\/p>\n

He currently has 18 goals and 15 assists in his NHL career.<\/p>\n

In February, every opportunity to play is crucial for the development of a 21-year-old center.<\/p>\n

We hope Pennanen gives him a real chance in the next matchup.<\/p>\n

A Finnish method that raises eyebrows<\/p>\n

“Oliver Kapanen was dressed by head coach Antti Pennanen only to sit on the bench for the entire game.<\/p>\n

It is actually a common practice among the Finns.”<\/p>\n

– Nicolas Cloutier<\/p>\n

It\u2019s simple \u2014 this \u201cextra player\u201d philosophy, where someone never touches the ice, leaves a bitter taste.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s remember that Kapanen was a second-round pick in 2021. His potential remains high, but a player\u2019s confidence can be fragile in these circumstances.<\/p>\n

Previously on All Montreal Hockey<\/p>\n

POLL<\/p>\n

23 MINUTES AGO|11 ANSWERS<\/p>\n

Canadiens fans frustrated after Oliver Kapanen benched entire game by Finland<\/p>\n

Will Oliver Kapanen get any playing time this Olympics?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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