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Patrik Laine's status revealed and it could change everything for the Montreal Canadiens tonight
Photo credit: Imagn Images
As the Montreal Canadiens prepare for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals on Friday, Patrik Laine's availability remains unclear.
The young winger will be a game-time decision according to team officials since he did not participate in Thursday's practice ahead of the crucial matchup and was being checked out for "maintenance" in what could be a problem to his knee.
With Montreal looking to climb out of a 2-0 series deficit, Patrik Laine might be out for what the team called a maintenance day.
It's a bit odd since the Finnish forward was benched during the third period of Wednesday's Game 2 loss.
"They're decisions you make as a coach,» said head coach Martin St. Louis post-game when asked about tightening up his rotation and Laine getting zero shifts in the final frame. «I shortened my bench by a lot in the third. Honestly, I went with the nine or 10 (forwards) who I thought could help the cause.»
Patrik Laine wasn't alone in seeing reduced ice time since Joel Armia was limited to just one third-period shift and Joel Armia finished Game 2 with a team-low 7:27 of ice time.
After a strong start to his Canadiens tenure, Patrik Laine has struggled offensively lately and his current drought stands at just one goal in his last 11 games which is including another scoreless performance in Game 2.
This slump comes despite Patrik Laine leading the Canadiens with 15 power-play goals during the regular season.
The series resumes Friday night with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 25 | 84 ANSWERS Patrik Laine's status revealed and it could change everything for the Montreal Canadiens tonight Do you think Patrik Laine will play for the Montreal Canadiens next year? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 23.8 % |
| No | 64 | 76.2 % |
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