TAMPA | The Canadiens players had much to be forgiven for after their miserable game against the Panthers. Jonathan Drouin even more than the others.

• Also read: “I just arrived two minutes late” – Jonathan Drouin

• Also read: Lions: Young goalkeeper Joe Vrbetic impressed

But the task didn’t look easy against the ever-powerful Lightning in the Amalie Arena. For the last game of this journey of three encounters, Martin St-Louis’ team sold dearly.

The Montrealers led twice in the game and were still eliminated 5-3.

Brandon Hagel was the Canadian’s main hangman with a hat-trick (including a goal into an empty goal).

“We fought. I’m proud of the group. The only thing I’m not happy with is the result, St-Louis said after the game. We were more alike. We made sure to defend better and was attacking our game selection much better. »

Despite having performed better in his coach’s eyes, the Canadian suffered his ninth loss in 10 games (1-7-2).

only dressed

As for Drouin, he hasn’t touched the pitch once. He stayed on the bench for 60 minutes. Like a supermarket divider, it placed itself between attacker and defender.

Even during commercial breaks, he remained seated while Michael Pezzetta and Anthony Richard, his theoretical linemates, took the opportunity to untie their legs.

“The situation was explained to us before the game,” said captain Nick Suzuki. Even though it wasn’t easy, Jo encouraged and supported the boys on the bench. However, he remained positive. »

Let Habs players take it for granted: St. Louis is no joke with those who miss team meetings or show up late. In the morning, the Habs trainer had hinted that Drouin would be “dressed” for this meeting against the Lightning.

If needed

We quickly understood that dress up and play are two completely different concepts. Also, Drouin only donned his uniform because Kaiden Guhle, who injured his lower body (likely his left knee) during the game against the Panthers, was unable to don his uniform.

An NHL rule states that a coach must dress 20 players if they have 20 healthy and able to play. Dressing up doesn’t mean playing here either.

“At the same time, it was something of a safety valve in an emergency,” explains St-Louis. If someone gets injured or someone struggles and is out for a long time, it might have exposed the other players.

However, even the right-hand injury sustained by Josh Anderson, who blocked a shot midway through the third period (causing him to miss a few starts), wasn’t enough to convince St. Louis to offer Drouin a presence .

Mike Hoffman, Denis Gurianov and Jesse Ylonen were the Canadian’s three goalscorers.

More

Samuel Montembault

He recovered well after Thursday’s special game. St-Louis had decided to trust him for a third game in a row. He suffered the loss but was still on 40 shots (41) for the eighth time this season.

Fewer

Mike Hoffman

He finished the game with one goal, one assist and six shots. However, his lack of combat readiness is glaring. Too often he refuses contact to get a loose puck.

WHAT WE NOTICED

Three centers occupied

The sanction St-Louis imposed on Drouin forced the other three middle players to work hard. Nick Suzuki came on for 25 minutes 32 seconds. Chris Tierney skated the ice for 18 minutes and 14 seconds. He hadn’t had such a busy evening since April 26, 2021. For his part, Alex Belzile (16.36 mins) had the third greatest night of his career.

Sergachev’s best season

While Drouin warmed up the bench against his former team, Mikhail Sergachev, who was traded off to him, was an accomplice to Brandon Hagel’s first two goals. With 53 points in 68 games, the defender is having by far the best season of his career.

Gurianov unlocked

Denis Gurianov has experienced something of an outburst since arriving at the Canadian. The Russian beat Brian Elliott with a sharp shot from one of the faceoff circles to score his fifth goal in his new uniform, a fourth in his last five games. In 42 games with the Stars, he had only moved the ropes twice.

St. Louis still in the spotlight

Before the game, Phil Esposito, Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St-Louis, the first three members of the Lightning Hall of Fame, were invited to officiate the ceremonial duel. We took the opportunity to unveil the ring of honor, which features each immortal’s name and photo.