The preparation plan is only two games old. However, with October 11th fast approaching, Martin St-Louis doesn’t have much time to experiment.
• Also read: Montreal Canadiens: Slafkovsky is reassuring
Luckily, the ones you’ve tried so far work. Obviously, the duo of Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki is a safe bet. On Wednesday evening, Sean Monahan was able to complete it wonderfully. If the latter can stay healthy, the Canadian will have confidence in a solid starting line.
Behind it, the Canadian coach wanted to see how Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky could join forces.
He wasn’t disappointed.
“Kirby was very committed physically and mentally,” St-Louis said after the game. His potential is very high. With Suzie and him, everything is the focus. »
And Slafkovsky’s outfit calmed him down.
“He played a complete game. He committed himself and was rewarded. I like the work he has done over the last five periods. »
To the left of the two giants, Harvey-Pinard did an excellent job. Always so energetic and intense, he dished out four hits, brilliantly completing this trio.
“Even though it was difficult to get going due to the numerous penalties, we managed to cause a lot of ball losses. We were successful in foresight,” analyzed the Quebecer.
Slowly but surely the formation of the Habs is taking shape.
“We are quietly being led by one side. It’s not set in stone yet, but we’re starting to see things,” St-Louis said.
Matheson on the sidelines
Mike Matheson was scheduled to start against the Senators but ultimately had to withdraw.
During the first break, the Canadian announced that the 29-year-old defender had been taken out of the lineup as a precautionary measure.
“He has been feeling unwell for a few days. But it’s not the same injury as last year. This time it’s on the lower body. If we were in the regular season, he would have played,” St-Louis said.
Keep in mind that last year, Matheson had to miss most of the first half of the season due to an abdominal muscle injury and a groin injury shortly thereafter.
Kaiden Guhle was asked to take his place to the left of David Savard.