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Flynn returns to practice and Habs snubbed on the All-Star ballot |
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The Montreal Canadiens infirmary is steadily shrinking as forward Brian Flynn has rejoined the club in San Jose and took part in Thursday’s practice. At the moment, Nathan Beaulieu and Charles Hudon are the only players on the injured reserve and those injuries are only a week old. Flynn’s imminent return to the lineup comes at a time when the Canadiens offense has run dry as the team has not been getting the balanced offensive contribution from up and down the lineup that they were getting earlier in the season.
Before Flynn was injured he formed what was considered one of the best fourth lines in the National Hockey League with Torrey Mitchell and Phillip Danault. While Flynn only has two assists in the twelve games that he has played this season, he had obvious chemistry with his linemates and complimented them well. His speed is an asset, as is his ability to take faceoffs. Meanwhile, Mitchell has only one point in his last ten games while Danault has been held off the scoresheet for eight consecutive games. It is not to say that the duo have played badly as of late. They are still getting it done defensively. For the Canadiens to continue to succeed, they need all four lines to be rolling and able to step up on any given night. By no means is Flynn a savior, however he certainly has the ability to jump start the fourth line once again.
At practice the lines were:
Carr looks to be the odd man out with Flynn making his return to the lineup. While some are still calling for David Desharnais to sit out, he did play a solid game against the Anaheim Ducks and is starting to form some chemistry with Andrew Shaw and Artturi Lehkonen. Carey Price is expected to get the start in goal.
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The NHL all-star ballot was announced on Thursday and some of the choices on the ballot are baffling to say the least.
(Is it just a coincidence that Shea Weber and P.K. Subban are pictured next to each other?)
Unsurprisingly, Carey Price and Shea Weber are on the ballot, deservedly so. It is hard to believe though that neither Alex Galchenyuk and Alexander Radulov are on the ballot representing the Canadiens while Captain Max Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher made the cut. The latter duo are off to their worst start in years. Gallagher just went through a 16 game goalless drought while Pacioretty has bounced up and down the lineup. They are both still very good players with a lot to give. Their seasons are not terrible but are simply not up to their own standards. They are perfectly capable of representing Montreal well at the all-star game and would have been excellent choices in previous seasons. However, Galchenyuk and Radulov simply deserve to be on that list more.
Galchenyuk currently leads the team in points with 22 in 23 games and in goals as well with nine. He is also ninth in the league in points despite averaging less time than the other players in the top ten. For his part, Radulov has played to above and beyond everyone’s expectations with the Canadiens this year. He sits third on the Canadiens in points with 18 in 21 games. He is arguably the Canadiens most consistent forward and rarely takes a shift off. His hockey skill and sense is a wonder to witness. It is a shame that the duo were not rewarded for their excellent start to the season, especially since they would shine in the 3 on 3 format. They can still be named to the team later on though by the coaches.
Cheers and follow along!
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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