The Lack Of Depth Is Sinking This Ship Fast
With the amount of injuries the Canadiens have suffered this season, it’s a miracle we’re still in the playoff picture. Having said that, the depth chart, that looked so good a few weeks ago, is starting the show its cracks. With the injuries to Tomas Plekanec and Jeff Halpern, certain players have been moved up to fill their roles. Players like Lars Eller and David Desharnais, while quality players, are outmatched when facing the opposition’s top six forwards. As well, the lack of production from Scott Gomez and Michael Cammalleri is really starting to take its toll.
Plekanec Expected To Face The Bruins
Why would Coach Jacques Martin risk his best player getting re-injured in a game that is sure to be a physical affair? Considering the success the Canadiens had against them in their last game at the Bell Centre, I don’t see any. If Plekanec, as suspected, is nursing a sore groin, another puck battle along the boards might reaggravate it. Would losing Plek for the first round of the playoffs be worth the risk? Not in my opinion.
According CJAD 800 radio’s Sergio Momesso, Plekanec is expected to suit up, Canadiens’ forward Jeff Halpern and defenseman Brent Sopel will be making the trip to Beantown, but will not be in the lineup. However, in his comments after practice, Coach Martin said that all the injured players were game time decisions. That’s coach-talk for “next question.”
Price and Gionta Take A Therapy Day
Carey Price took the opportunity to rest and have his knee worked on by the Canadiens’ medical staff. While the extent of the discomfort in his right knee is unknown, he seemed to be moving well on Tuesday night against the Buffalo Sabres. Price was exemplary in goal, giving his anemic scorers a chance to remain competitive in a game they had no business to be in.
Brian Gionta has been the only top six forward on the Habs who has produced in recent weeks. (I’m being generous, it should be months.) He also took a therapy day. Considering his diminutiv stature, and the beating he takes from opponents of a nightly basis, it’s about time.
Here’s an interview after practice with Price as he talks about the game vs. the Bruins, and the overall team success so far this season.
Ryan White Caught Yawning…On The Jumbotron!
Becoming bored or disinterested during a game is normally acceptable for fourth line players, for a kid like Ryan White, we expect better than that. While his apparent boredom may be the result of minimal use during Tuesday’s tilt, he has no excuse. When you want to impress your coach, yawning publicly doesn’t really get you in his good books.
Missing Some Energy
The callup of Andreas Engqvist by the Canadiens was a bad move, in my opinion. He received just under six minutes of ice time against the Sabres on Tuesday, and was completely invisible. The Habs would have been better served having Aaron Palushaj remain with the big club. While he is not a centreman, which is the reason he was sent back to Hamilton, his energy level was something the Canadiens lack.
And For Those Like Myself Who Liked Mark Recchi…
In an interview while CBS Boston, Mark Recchi suggested that the Canadiens’ organization faked the severity of Max Pacioretty’s injury after the devastating “hockey play” that was made by Bruins’ defenseman Zdeno Chara. Big words from a dwarf that plays with the NHL warden’s son. Recchi should keep his mouth shut before he gets fined for excessive stupidity, but the NHL rule book doesn’t cover “foot in mouth” suspensions or fines.
The listen to the entire interview from yesterday, click here.
Videos from Yesterday’s Practice:
Hal Gill jokes about his offensive outburst last week.
Travis Moen on the importance of tomorrow’s matchup.
Finally, Scott Gomez gives some love to Carey Price, and explains his success this season
Et Veteran
- R.I.P. Elizabeth Taylor. Thanks for entertaining us for so many years.
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