(Toronto) If nothing changes in the next few hours, Jeff Petry should make a return Saturday night in Toronto.
Posted at 12:32 p.m.
Updated at 12:54 p.m.
The veteran Canadiens defenseman, who hasn’t played since March 24, should be able to face the Maple Leafs on Saturday night. At Canadiens training on Saturday morning in Toronto, defenders Corey Schueneman and Kale Clague both worked extra time, which opens the door to a return for Petry.
Youngster Jordan Harris will also be back in the lineup after being left out in the previous game.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Jordan Harris
Petry, of course, wasn’t on track to enter the discussion about Norris Trophy candidates this season, but Martin St-Louis still wants him to finish the calendar in style.
“He hasn’t played in seven games,” replied the Canadiens coach on Saturday morning at Scotiabank Arena. The goal is for him to get back into the swing of things and be able to finish the season well. »
In attack, the Canadian’s only change is for Michael Pezzetta, back after a six-game absence. He will replace Jesse Ylonen.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Michael Pezzetta
For Pezzettta, who grew up 20 minutes from here “not counting the traffic jams”, this match in front of family and friends was highly anticipated.
“When the Canadiens called me back, the first thing I did was check the date of the club’s next game in Toronto, and it was April 9,” he replied. So having this opportunity makes me very happy and excited. »
Not to mention that the next matches for Pezzetta will be a form of audition, he who is without a contract for the next season.
“I need to show what I can do,” he added. Even before the injury, I never believed that my position was guaranteed with the team. I always understood that I was going to have to work to keep my place. »
50 in 50 for Matthews?
You will understand that the Canadian will have to keep an eye on Auston Matthews. The star player for the Maple Leafs has 56 goals on the clock this season, including 49 goals scored in his last 49 games.
PHOTO FRANK GUNN, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Auston Matthews has already scored 56 goals this season.
“You could see it coming from afar, replied Cole Caufield on this subject. He is a player who throws everywhere, who always gets very good chances to score in every game. To score 50 goals in 50 games is pretty special and he’s a special player too. He’s a guy I look up to and maybe one day I’ll be able to get close to those kind of numbers! »
In the Leafs camp, we did not spare the tributes to Matthews on this chilly Saturday morning.
“It’s incredible to score at this rate in modern hockey,” Jason Spezza said. I can’t put that in perspective… He’s an incredible leader. What he’s achieving is special, there are very few guys who have reached those numbers in the last two decades in the NHL. »
Let’s add that Jake Allen will be in front of the Canadian net.