Jonathan Drouin was hit pretty hard by Ovechkin on Friday and most thought that he wasn't playing on Saturday because of a concussion but turns out he is dealing with a wrist injury. As for Byron, the leg injury was obvious when he fell in the turn period. This is rather bad news for the Habs especially since Jonathan Drouin has been playing great since the regular season started. As for Byron, he is by no means one of Julien's favourite and it looks like starting on the 4th line this season wrecked havoc with his confidence. To be honest, I thought he might be used as a trading chip but a knee injury really hurts his value. Poor Byron struggled to stay healthy when he played in Calgary and that's how he ended up on waivers, he had a few healthy seasons in Montreal but now, he can't seem to stay out of the infirmary.
The question now becomes how do the Habs replace these guys? Drouin had been a steady contributor this season and he will no doubt be missed in the top 6. Given Byron's season so far, his absence shouldn't have as much of an impact. This morning at practice, these were the lines:
Chiarot - Folin
Mete - Petry
Kulak - Reilly/Fleury
Price
Kinkaid
It's interesting to see that Suzuki still centres the second line this morning and we'll have to see how Domi reacts to that. On Saturday, he looked anything but pleased to be back on the wing. Call me crazy but not that Armia has remembered who is is (i.e. not a scorer) I think I'd rather see him on the 3rd line to recreated the Finnish line and I'd slot Weal back on the 4th (let's face it, Cousin, Thompson and Weal makes for a great 4th line) and yes, I would give Hudon a chance in a scoring role. Why? Well, that's what he is in theory, a scorer. However, the Habs never had room in scoring spots for him but now, with Drouin's injury, perhaps it's time to give him a chance. I think the timing could be right and what's the worst that could happen? You could even showcase him in a role that suits him and maybe, just maybe a team will come knocking to acquire him. It's not like Bergevin hasn't tried to trade him so far.
The Canadiens will play back to back games on Tuesday and Wednesday against the Blue Jackets and the Senators. Both games are winnable, if the Canadiens play like they play against good teams... Any chance we can get those teams to wear Bruins colours? That could help... In the meantime, I'll be back tonight with my assessment of the team through the first quarter of the season.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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