Martin St-Louis didn’t sugarcoat it after the Montreal Canadiens’ win over the Utah Mammoth: the roster decisions aren’t getting any easier.
With captain Nick Suzuki and forward Kirby Dach both ready to come back on Thursday night, the Canadiens coach had to sort through a lineup squeeze that already had people talking. Suzuki’s return was never really in doubt once he was cleared, but Dach’s re-entry raised more eyebrows because of how well he had been playing before he got sick.
St-Louis knew the questions were coming when he stepped into the conference room after the game, and he didn’t dodge them.
“Those aren't easy decisions; Dach played excellent hockey, and I know I won't hit 1.000 with my decisions. But you know Dacher missed time because he was sick, and he was playing very good hockey when he fell ill.
Beck and Flo didn’t deserve to come out of the lineup, but Dach didn’t deserve to miss time either. We have depth; we have players knocking at the door; decisions that aren’t easy.
But when you look at where we are now and what we did last year, most of the group that played tonight took us to the conference final; we were 9-3-3 before the game. And our depth is giving us good hockey.
The Beck, the Flo, so it keeps everyone alert. They aren’t easy decisions, but I try to make the best decisions I can.”
Suzuki made the choice look simple. The captain scored Montreal’s first goal and added two assists, doing exactly what you’d expect from a player who was always going to slide right back into the lineup.
Dach, though, was the more delicate call. His return had clearly stirred debate, but once the puck dropped, he had a chance to justify it on the ice.
And if he keeps going like that, the next round of decisions could get even trickier. Ivan Demov’s eventual return may force St-Louis to make another tough call, and then the question becomes who comes out.
Oliver Kapanen, because the production hasn’t been there? Chris Kreider, even if he has four points in his last five games?
Either way, St-Louis is dealing with the kind of problem coaches want: too many players making a case to stay in.
In Other News...
Canadiens Game Just Took A Turn After Key Utah Blue-Liner Exit
The game between Montreal and Utah took a notable turn in the second period when the Mammoth lost veteran defenseman Nate Schmidt to an upper-body injury. Schmidt, who brings plenty of NHL experience to Utahs blue line, was ruled out for the rest of the night after the team confirmed he would not return.
Utah did not offer any further details on the injury or say exactly when Schmidt exited, leaving the situation a little murky as the game moved on. For Montreal, any absence on the back end can change the look of a matchup quickly, especially against a defenseman with Schmidts track record and steady presence. [Read more 🡒]
Maple Leafs Face A Growing Problem Ahead Of Montreal
The Maple Leafs are still tinkering with their forward mix as they get ready for Montreal, a sign of a lineup that is trying to settle itself at just the right time. Jack Roslovic was given a maintenance day, and Vinni Lettieri moved into a prominent spot as Toronto looks for more balance up front. Head coach Jim Hiller has made it clear the issue is not just who is available, but how long the club is spending in its own end.
For Montreal, the bigger picture is that Toronto is still managing a few moving parts while trying to sharpen its attack. John Tavares is moving forward in his recovery, but his return is not imminent until he clears the next checkpoint. The Maple Leafs want cleaner offensive-zone play and less defending, and the Canadiens will be watching to see whether those adjustments hold up once the puck drops. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Lineup Decision Suddenly Feels Bigger Than Fans Realized
Adam Engstroms recent spot in the Canadiens lineup now looks a little more interesting than a routine roster tweak. The young defenseman was inserted into the mix at a time when Montreal is still sorting out its long-term picture, and the move has prompted some outside speculation about whether the club wanted a closer look at him in a game setting.
Darren Dreger has floated the possibility that Engstrom could come up in trade discussions, which gives the whole situation a different edge for Canadiens fans watching every lineup decision. Nothing has been confirmed, and the rumors remain just that, but when a player suddenly appears in the lineup under these circumstances, it is hard not to wonder whether Montreal is quietly preparing for something bigger. [Read more 🡒]