Canadiens' Laine a game-time decision for Game 3
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MONTREAL - Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis says he’ll make his Game 3 lineup decisions following warm-up Friday night after winger Patrik Laine missed the team’s morning skate.
The Canadiens said Laine, the only player absent, did not participate because of a maintenance day.
“I know he wasn’t on the ice today, we have some guys battling a couple things so I think you’ll see more players in warm-up tonight,” St. Louis said. “We’ll make our decisions before the game.”
Montreal trails the Washington Capitals 2-0 in their first-round playoff series after two losses on the road.
St. Louis benched Laine for the entire third period of Wednesday’s 3-1 loss to the Capitals in Game 2 after a difficult, turnover-filled first 40 minutes for the Finnish forward.
The 27-year-old Laine is Montreal’s highest-paid player with a US$8.7-million salary through next season. Known for his dangerous shot, the power-play specialist hasn’t scored in his last seven games.
A 44-goal scorer in 2017-18, Laine hasn’t scored 30 times in a season since 2018-19 due to a mix of injuries and inconsistent play.
The Canadiens acquired Laine and a second-round draft pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets last summer for defenceman Jordan Harris.
Laine had 20 goals – including 15 on the power play – and 13 assists in 52 games this season after missing the first two months with a knee injury.
If Laine doesn’t play, forwards Oliver Kapanen or Michael Pezzetta could be options to enter the lineup. Pezzetta, however, spent extra time on the ice after practice with defenceman Arber Xhekaj, who also hasn't played in the post-season.
“We have some guys battling things, so we’ll see what we start with tonight,” St. Louis said. “Obviously in a series, during games, you make adjustments. That’s part of a best-of-seven.”
The Capitals, meanwhile, might be adding a big piece to their roster. Forward Aliaksei Protas is “a possibility for tonight,” head coach Spencer Carbery said.
The six-foot-six, 247-pound Protas missed Games 1 and 2 with a skate cut to his left foot. He broke out with 30 goals and 36 assists in 76 games this season, finishing third in scoring on the Capitals.
“We have a lot of guys that are deserving to stay in the lineup, so it’s difficult decisions for us as a coaching staff,” Carbery said. “Pro has had a phenomenal season, he’s a big part of our team, so you weigh those scenarios, but the second that Pro, if and when he’s ready to play, if it’s tonight, he’ll go into the lineup.”
Montreal is set to host its first playoff game before a sold-out crowd since 2017.
The Canadiens played in an empty or reduced-capacity Bell Centre during their run to the Stanley Cup final in 2021.
"We're excited as a group," forward Brendan Gallagher said. "The fans are excited. I'm sure that they're anticipating a hard start from us as well, it’s about maintaining that. Still can't waste energy and go out of your way, but use the crowd for sure, get them involved, make it as tough as possible
“It's a tough place come into and win. This crowd is something special.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 25, 2025.