Update: Charles Hudon's injury is worse than feared, as he suffered a broken sternum and is out indefinitely. Artturi Lehkonen has made the trip and will be reinserted into the lineup while Chris Terry will be a healthy scratch:
Hudon out indefinitely with broken sternum. Lehkonen in tonight with Desharnais and Shaw Terry out #HabsIO
— Pat Hickey (@zababes1) November 26, 2016
It looks like Detroit Red Wings fans' preseason wishes might have finally come true.
While head coach Jeff Blashill publicly stated that he can pride himself on having the best goaltending duo in the National Hockey League, followers of the team hoped that Petr Mrazek could lead the way as the starting goalie for the 2016-2017 "Farewell Season at the Joe". Many begged general manager Ken Holland to trade Jimmy Howard and to simply keep Grand Rapids Griffins promising young netminder Jared Coreau as the backup. After all, Coreau's 3-0-0 record during training camp along with a 1.61 goals-against average was enough to convince the fan base that the 25-year-old should be ready to play in the NHL.
But that was not the case, as Howard stole the starting role from Mrazek and was outstanding through the first quarter of the regular season schedule. Although his 5-5 record is not exceptional by any means, he kept his teammates in every single game by stopping 299 of the 318 shots he faced, good for a .940 save percentage and 1.82 goals-against average. Having injured himself last night against the New Jersey Devils, he is expected to miss at least a week before returning to game action. Coreau was subsequently recalled from Grand Rapids, and Mrazek now has an opportunity to win back his peers’ trust and confidence starting tonight as the Red Wings host the Montreal Canadiens at the Joe Louis Arena.
#RedWings will place Jimmy Howard on seven day IR with groin injury and recall Jared Coreau from @griffinshockey
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) November 26, 2016
#RedWings Blashill said he thinks Howard (groin) got his skate caught in the ice. He'll be out at least a week, so Mrazek has opportunity.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) November 26, 2016
The Habs will have to once again be without Nathan Beaulieu, Brian Flynn, and Artturi Lehkonen, as Zach Redmond was assigned to the St. John’s IceCaps in order to undergo a conditioning stint after being sidelined for several weeks. Moreover, Charles Hudon (3GP, 2A) was injured during practice yesterday and did not travel with the team:
Charles Hudon will not travel with the team today (precautionary measures) – got injured this morning working out on the ice (upper body).
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 25, 2016
The Habs embark on one of their longest road trips of the season, where they will leave for California after playing in Detroit tonight in order to face the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings before heading back to St. Louis to take on the Blues:
10,000 km across the continent and back is what awaits the Habs over the next 12 days.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 25, 2016
READ -> https://t.co/9GIByEWiao #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/1riBdTddXZ
All eyes will once again be on the Tomas Plekanec, Max Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher trio, as all three have had subpar starts to their season. The captain scored the game-winner on a gritty and somewhat lucky goal, as both of his line mates notched assists against the steadily-improving yet tenacious Carolina Hurricanes. The hope is that they will use that as a momentum-booster that will help build their confidence away from the judging eyes of Bell Centre attendees.
With a modified nucleus thanks to general manager Marc Bergevin’s successful offseason work, extended time away from Montreal will be much-welcomed as it will allow the team to bond. Carey Price told reporters:
“We’re happy to have this time together. And also to enjoy a bit of sun.…
With a 15-4-2 record, the best team in the National Hockey League certainly earned it.