The Canadian loses 2-1 against the Maple Leafs

The Montreal Canadiens had a tough evening Saturday at the Bell Center. Defenseman David Reinbacher and forward Patrik Laine both suffered injuries that didn’t bode well in a 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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At the time of writing, the organization had not provided a medical update for its two players.

Defender Arber

The head coach had to juggle his formation, giving Lane Hutson and Logan Mailloux all the playing time necessary to make their mark.

Hutson once again looked good with several inspired plays, both on the power play and at even strength. While he amazed the fans with his passes, Mailloux got a few good chances with his powerful shot and broke up a few Maple Leafs plays in the defensive zone.

The Canadian was unable to hit the target on seven occasions on the power play. The team is still looking for a first goal with an extra man since the start of the preparatory calendar.

Kirby Dach scored the Canadian’s only goal with less than two minutes remaining in the game. Samuel Montembeault blocked 11 of the 12 pucks aimed at him before giving way to Cayden Primeau, who made nine saves.

Unlike Thursday, where several important players in the organization were in uniform in Toronto, the Maple Leafs gave a lot of room to young people for this duel in Montreal. Matthew Knies, Nick Robertson and Simon Benoit were the most experienced players.

Robertson also scored both goals for the visitors. Dennis Hildeby played the entire game in front of the Maple Leafs cage and stopped 27 shots.

The Habs’ young prospects will have two other opportunities to showcase themselves before the start of the season, each time against the Ottawa Senators. The next game will take place on Tuesday at the Bell Centre, then the preparatory schedule will conclude next Saturday at the Canadian Tire Centre.

Until then, the Canadian should announce a first wave of cuts in preparation for the opening of the Laval Rocket camp, which will begin Tuesday.

Crippled people

The first minutes of the match were brutal for the Canadian. From the initial faceoff, Reinbacher was injured due to a bad fall after taking a hit. He retired to the locker room and did not return to the game.

Then, during a power play, Laine received a knee from Cédric Paré and remained on the ground, visibly in pain. He also left the meeting.

Xhekaj avenged his teammate by throwing himself at Paré, whom he severely beat. He received 27 penalty minutes, being kicked out of the game. The Maple Leafs scored on the ensuing seven-minute power play. Robertson surprised Montembeault under the pad.

Forward Lucas Condotta saw a little action on defense to give the Canadian’s four defenders some rest.

In the second period, Juraj Slafkovsky threw down the gloves against Quebec defender Marshall Rifai. He had to spend time in the infirmary. Josh Anderson imitated him against Philippe Myers.

Robertson doubled the Maple Leafs’ lead by beating Primeau between the pads in the third period

Dach reduced the gap with a goal while Primeau was on the bench, but the Canadian was unable to tie the game.