The diagnosis was made in the case of David Savard and it is part of the long list of unfortunate cases that the team has suffered in recent seasons.
The 33-year-old defender is the victim of a broken left hand and will be out for six to eight weeks. However, he shouldn’t have to go under the knife.
This is another big loss for the Habs, who are already without the services of Kirby Dach for the remainder of the season and Kaiden Guhle for at least a few weeks.
“You can’t buy your experience. “There aren’t many game situations that Savvy hasn’t experienced in his career,” Martin St-Louis said a little more than an hour before the game against the Devils at the Bell Center. These are things that a young defender still has to learn. »
“It’s a big loss,” Mike Matheson said. He is a very important player for us in the locker room and on the ice. Blocking shots is something he does so well. We have to start too. »
A risky undertaking
Savard suffered the fracture midway through the third period on Monday night in Buffalo. While the Canadian was a man short, the veteran blocked two one-timers from Tage Thompson almost in quick succession.
The first shattered his hand, while the second sent the blade of his right skate flying. Despite everything, he insisted on ending his presence and tried to help his team as best he could. A brave gesture that earned him the admiration of his teammates.
“David is disappointed but he has been in the league long enough to know that the way he plays makes him open to something like that. », remarked the Canadiens head coach after the meeting.
Double bites for Barron
To make up for the loss, the Habs recalled Gustav Lindström from the Laval Rocket. Yesterday the ball, which Kent Hughes acquired from the Red Wings in exchange for Jeff Petry, was played 11:21.
Before the meeting, St-Louis had argued that this absence would allow other members of the defense brigade to present themselves.
Justin Barron took Savard’s spot to Mike Matheson’s right. He did well to hit the target for the second game in a row.
“When a big player like him is absent, the others have to improve their game in different situations. “I had a chance to take some shots with Matheson tonight,” Barron said.
“This is a great opportunity for me. Matheson is a good player and easy to play with. I hope to get minutes and contribute in multiple situations. »
Barron also received the share of playing time normally given to Savard due to the numerical penalty.
Photo Martin Chevalier