Center Kirby Dach is out of action and on injured reserve with a fractured foot. Center Alex Newhook is out of action with a broken ankle and is also on injured reserve. Left winger Patrik Laine is out with an abdominal issue and defenseman Kaiden Guhle is on injured reserve and will miss 8-10 weeks after adductor muscle surgery. The center depth took a massive hit and so did the offense with the loss of Dach and NEwhook.
They have their young prospects like Ivan Demidov who look like they have been playing in the show for years, and their offseason moves are proving to be everything they wished for any more. However, with all the great features the Habs have on their team, it is clear that the hole they have on the second line is massive, and it looks like their priority this season is getting that true second line center.
On the 2-1 marker, the Kings enjoyed an extended 6-5 man advantage following a delayed penalty on Zachary Bolduc. Tiring out the home side, the Kings finally struck when Quinton Byfield pounced on a rebound to beat goalie Sam Montembeault. Of note, Byfield by all appearances waved goodbye to the home crowd as a celly. While it may have pissed off Canadiens fans, the gesture undeniably fit based on the Habs' response or lack thereof.
I'm going to try my best to stay cheerful despite sitting to write this minutes after the Toronto Blue Jays lost in Game 7 of the World Series in devastating fashion. In truth, I need a distraction. It was either this or polishing off the two giant bags of Doritos (Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese, naturally) that are currently in my cupboard. I will still likely do that at some point.
Every hockey fan notices the team's success and recognizes the team's failures. The person behind both is the team's general manager. Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has brought new life into the organization since his hire and the future looks bright with him in control. The organization believes in his abilities so much that they have him a new five-year extension, announced by Canadians President, Owner, and Chief Executive Officer Geoff Molson.
