(Washington) There is nothing certain about the Canadian, but what seems more and more certain is that Cédric Paquette is preparing his return.
Dominique Ducharme did not want to confirm it, but the Quebec striker could return to the game Wednesday night in Washington, while the Canadian will face the Capitals. Paquette, injured, has not played since November 9.
In 10 games this season, he has not obtained a point, and he sees in this return the opportunity to start fresh.
“It’s like a new start to my season,” he replied Wednesday morning in Washington. I think I can start over and get over it. We always want to be on the ice and help the team, but injuries can happen, it’s part of our reality. ”
For now, it is not impossible that the Canadian will return to the formula of 11 forwards and 7 defenders, used in the previous meeting, a victory on Saturday night against the Nashville Predators at the Bell Center.
After Wednesday’s practice in Washington, Michael Pezzetta, Mattias Norlinder, Joel Edmundson and Samuel Montembeault all worked overtime, which is usually the preserve of reservists. Defender Sami Niku could therefore be back in training.
Moreover, the Canadian will try to achieve in Washington what he does not often succeed: winning a game on someone else’s ice.
It should be remembered here that the Montreal club have won only one game out of a possible nine on the road this season …
“Several players in our team can be better on the road,” admitted Dominique Ducharme. You have to show more character and be prepared to get your hands dirty even more.
“We were better at home than on the road, and we must be better than that on the road…. At home, you are at home, you feel the energy of the crowd, there are family in the stands, friends. On the road, it becomes a question of will, and we have to go further and demonstrate our strength of character. ”
As for Norlinder, the young defender of just 21, the Canadian has yet to make a decision in his case as to whether he will stay here or return to continue his season in Europe. “We will make a decision after this trip,” simply replied the coach.
Recall that Jake Allen will be in net for the Canadiens on Wednesday night in Washington.