Juraj Slafkovsky is set to return to the Montreal Canadiens lineup against the Seattle Kraken after being sidelined since October 21. Slafkovsky will play alongside Alex Newhook and Joel Armia, not with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. Coach Martin St-Louis emphasizes the importance of maintaining successful line combinations. Additionally, defensemen Kaiden Guhle and Justin Barron have joined practice, indicating potential returns. The Canadiens aim for a third consecutive victory while learning critical lessons about maintaining leads during games.
The Canadiens are set to welcome some much-needed talent as they prepare to face the visiting Seattle Kraken. After being sidelined since October 21, Juraj Slafkovsky is ready to return to the lineup.
– Also read: The CH in search of a rare feat
– Also read: Caufield making history with the best start in 25 years for a Habs player
Slafkovsky will be lined up alongside Alex Newhook and Joel Armia, rather than joining Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki’s line.
“Dach is filling in for Slafkovsky due to his injury,” explained Martin St-Louis. “Right now, that trio is functioning well. I want to experiment with Newhook’s line without disrupting something that’s already working. We’ll see how this develops.”
Newhook has netted two goals in the season so far, but hasn’t scored at even strength since the third game. He appreciates having Slafkovsky back alongside him.
“He’s a big guy who protects the puck effectively and has great on-ice vision,” Newhook remarked. “I believe our playing styles will mesh well. I’ll be able to use my speed to create opportunities for both strong wingers.”
Just ten days ago, Slafkovsky’s training images stirred concerns about discomfort in his right shoulder, but he clarified those misconceptions.
“It wasn’t related to my shoulder, despite what many assumed. It was a different issue, a strange injury that I’ve never encountered before. But everything’s fine now; I’m back to 100%,” he stated.
Guhle and Barron Join the Roster
Along with Slafkovsky’s return, Kaiden Guhle and Justin Barron also practiced in regular jerseys at the Bell Centre. The two defensemen skated as an extra pair.
Their evaluations are ongoing, and they could potentially travel with the team for games in Washington and Pittsburgh. However, confirming their presence in the lineup for either game would be premature.
This morning’s session also marked Rafaël Harvey-Pinard’s return to practice. After suffering a broken leg over the summer, the Saguenay native was in a non-contact jersey, indicating that his comeback is still some time away.
A Valuable Lesson
Tonight, St-Louis and his team aim for a third consecutive victory, a feat they haven’t accomplished since late March. This will mark their only streak of three wins during the 2023-2024 season thus far.
Despite recent successes, St-Louis asserts that valuable lessons have been learned, particularly from their game in Philadelphia.
“A lead is delicate. You might think it was a tight game by the score, but it really wasn’t—the last two or three minutes aside,” commented the Canadiens’ head coach. “We’ve learned that it’s crucial to keep pushing until the final whistle. If we’d let the Flyers equalize because we eased up, it could have been devastating.”
Montreal ultimately held their ground in that game, and now they look to continue their momentum. Samuel Montembeault will be the starting goalie against the Kraken.
Morning Practice Lines:
Caufield – Suzuki – Dach
Slafkovsky – Newhook – Armia
Anderson – Evans – Gallagher
Heineman – Dvorak – Kapanen
Matheson – Struble
Hutson – Savard
Xhekaj – Mailloux
Guhle – Barron
Montembeault
Primeau