Playing through injuries is something that happens multiple times through any given regular season, and the Montreal Canadiens saw a lot of it.
The Montreal Canadiens injury bug was relentless this season. It’s not just the number of players who were forced out of the lineup, but for how long. In total, the Habs had 282 man games lost this year if you include the 75 from Ales Hemsky who suffered a concussion in October against the Anaheim Ducks and the 14 from Al Montoya when he was still on the team. That’s not the sole reason of why Montreal had the season they did, but it’s a nice slice of the evidentiary pie.
A lot of the injured players recovered and got back into the lineup where others had to be shut down. What’s been a point of discussion, ever since it was revealed that Paul Byron needed shoulder surgery, was having members of the team play through injuries in a lost season. Grinding through ailments is something that happens every year and gives hockey fans a moment to consider how brave or crazy hockey players are (especially after a playoff series ends).
However, after some comments from members of the Montreal Canadiens, we know that, along with Byron, Charles Hudon, Artturi Lehkonen, and Brendan Gallagher were playing injured in the final stretch of the season. You also have to think back to the decision to bring Carey Price back from his concussion when there was an overwhelming push to have him shut down as well.
When taking the question to Twitter on the idea of pushing through injuries when there’s nothing (team-wise) to play for, Habs fans were clearly of a similar belief.
Are you ok with a player suiting up while injured in an already lost season? #Habs
— A Winning Habit (@FSAWinningHabit) April 22, 2018
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Did having Gallagher and Byron in the lineup give the Montreal Canadiens more points than they needed? Considering they were two of the team’s most consistent players, 31 and 20 goal seasons respectively, the Habs were better with them on the ice. Additionally, we have to keep in mind that tanking is a managerial method and has no bearing on the players. They want to go out there, put out their best efforts and win.
Individual success and personal growth are the main things to pursue in a bottom ten finish. Sure it’s frustrating to hear of the discomfort some of the favourites were going through while losing hockey games, but it’s those same things fans love in a player. It also goes back to the atmosphere the Montreal Canadiens want in their locker room.
At the same time, the feeling around this conversation would be different if Gallagher or Byron made their injuries worse. Who knows, it may have. Perhaps Byron’s shoulder was only knicked, but a couple of extra battles along the boards made it worse.
Next: Carey Price Wasn't Good Enough
What’s tough to accept is that players want to play regardless of how the season is going. In some ways, it’s like trying to stop a tower of building blocks from falling. There’s only so much time you can hold it back before realizing that letting the event play out is for the best. It’s what makes hockey such a passionate and emotionally-involving sport.