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In Hainsight: That's Why the Preseason is Flawed |
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Follow me @KarineHains for all updates about the Montreal Canadiens and women's hockey
The preseason can be seen as a drawn-out tedious affair at times, fans are starving for hockey, and they’ll pay big bucks to see watered down versions of their favorite teams. There were no Suzuki, Caufield or Gallagher tonight in Toronto, just like there were no Matthews, Marner or Tavares but fans still paid the big price to see an AHL (at best) duel.
Worst still, in the first period, two of the Leafs defensemen went down to injury and Toronto had to finish the game with 4 blueliners. This is the preseason; in what world does it make sense to overuse 4 defensemen in an exhibition game that means nothing? Surely it would be better to let one of the healthy scratches come in in the 2nd period?
Still, I said this season would be about finding the upside so here is it. In a game where the Habs were crushed in the face-off circle, young Owen Beck was the only one to win 50% of his duels. There’s absolutely no denying that he’s been the revelation of this training camp and hopefully, he just keeps improving in the OHL this season.
Meanwhile, Emil Heineman got a chance to play his first preseason game and he kept up the good work he’s put in since the prospects challenge. In Monday’s game, Cole Caufield got a team leading 5 shots on goal, tonight, Heineman unleashed 6 tonight and was a constant threat for the Canadiens. Meanwhile Juraj Slafkovsky looked much more comfortable out there and managed to take 4 shots on the Leafs’ net. However, I’d like to see him alongside real NHL talent to be able to evaluate him better. I don’t mean any disrespect, but tonight his center was Rem Pitlick, who is not a real center or even sure to make the team right now and Joel “invisible man” Armia was on the other wing.
Even though Kevin Poulin gave up 2 goals tonight, the loss cannot be put on him, as for Montembeault, he only gave up a single goal, but it was a bad one, the first shot he received went in 5-hole, not a really good start and not one to give confidence to a young team. Whether or not Martin St-Louis wants to admit it, Montembeault will be the back-up this season. Why? Because Primeau can go back to Laval without clearing waivers and the Canadiens have only got 3 goaltenders under NHL contract. If they were to send Montembeault down and he got claim, there would be no back-up plan if Primeau had issues and his confidence was destroyed behind a team rebuilding and a blueline that barely has facial hair.
On the blue line, St-Louis said he liked Xhekaj's game and didn't agree with the call that sent him to the penalty box, leading to the Leafs' second goal. Once more, I though Barron was hesitant and I believe that Guhle, Harris and Xhekaj are all ahead of his.
Tomorrow, the Canadiens will be back in Montreal and they will be taking on the Winnipeg Jets. The Manitobe outfit has already released its line-up and it’s far from being and NHL one. We’ll see if St-Louis decide to give his guys a sweetener with more regulars and a chance to win a game.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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