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We now know the real reason why the Montreal Canadiens benched Patrik Laine
Photo credit: RMNB
The Washington Capitals are gearing up for a thrilling Game 3 showdown against the Montreal Canadiens tonight, but forward Patrik Laine has landed under the microscope after being benched by head coach Martin St. Louis.
I think it's safe to say that the Montreal Canadiens are in dire need of some offence.
The Washington Capitals have smothered the Canadiens with relentless pressure, leaving the Montreal Canadiens desperate for their stars to step up.
One player in the hot-seat is Patrik Laine, who's struggled to make an impact in the series.
Head coach Martin St. Louis has noticeably cut back Laine's ice time, even benching him in Game 2 -- and now, the real reason behind that decsion has come to light.
Patrik Laine benched for gesture made at the bench
According to Habs Fanatics:
COACHES: One of the most underrated traits of winning hockey is great line changes. It's so incredibly important, and last night we had two game winning goals directly impacted by them.
1. Montreal turns it over in the neutral zone and Patrik Laine changes. The puck gets transitioned right where he should be but since he gets off it creates the passing lane and the Caps feed their transition game.
Anderson can't catch up after he gets off the ice which allows the time for a delay on the rush and BOOM - game winner for Washington. This play may be part of the reason Laine didn't play in the third period."
Anderson can't catch up after he gets off the ice which allows the time for a delay on the rush and BOOM - game winner for Washington. This play may be part of the reason Laine didn't play in the third period."
The point here isn't to pile on Laine, but this was definitely an important sequence to highlight, especially since it didn't come from a fan or an expert who only follows the Montreal Canadiens.
Previously on Washington Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 25 | 61 ANSWERS We now know the real reason why the Montreal Canadiens benched Patrik Laine Do you think Patrik Laine will respond by scoring against the Washington Capitals? | ||
| Yes | 10 | 16.4 % |
| No | 51 | 83.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
