Alex Newhook will miss the first game of a long series against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday because he is suffering from an ankle sprain that will keep him out for a period of 10 to 12 weeks.

The forward’s left skate got caught in the net ropes when he fell in the third period of Thursday’s 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers.

“I wouldn’t say we’re shocked,” assured coach Martin St-Louis. We always have to cope day by day. We can’t have a long-term plan anyway. We evaluate and readjust. We will continue. »

In 23 games, the 22-year-old skater scored seven goals and collected six assists. He had scored four goals in his last seven games and was enjoying his best moments of the season.

“We were hoping for a better result for him,” commented captain Nick Suzuki. We all feel sorry for him. He’s been playing some really good hockey lately. It’s the same mentality for us. It’s up to the others to take the lead and raise their level of play.”

Between that injury and the injury to forward Kirby Dach, who is out for the season, much of the team’s young core will have missed a lot on offense. At such an important stage in the development of reconstruction, the situation can raise questions.

“It’s unfortunate because a lot of us are struggling with our system and the way we play,” Suzuki added. I hope it’s just a hindrance and they stay healthy for the rest of their careers. »

The Canadiens had already recalled forward Mitchell Stephens from the Laval Rocket to cover his absence. He will rotate the fourth trio with Joel Armia and Jesse Ylonen.

Juggle a bit

With this additional stone that has just fallen on his club, St-Louis had to juggle his trio. He will reunite Suzuki and Cole Caufield for the first time in 11 games and have them play with Sean Monahan.

“Yes, we rely on the same trio as our strengths, but I really like the rest of our formation lately,” the pilot explained. Jake (Evans) and Tanner (Pearson) play well together, Josh (Anderson) has found his identity. We have a lot of guys who are at their best and this allows me to do that. »

Brendan Gallagher, Christian Dvorak and Josh Anderson will make up the second line, while Juraj Slafkovsky will be paired with Evans and Pearson on the third.

Veteran Jake Allen will look to end a five-game losing streak. He hasn’t tasted victory since October 28th. He posted a 45-save performance that night, defeating the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 in a shootout.

28 years ago…

The Red Wings’ visit marks the 28th anniversary of Patrick Roy’s infamous final game against the Canadiens.

On December 2, 1995, after suffering nine Red Wings goals and being jeered by the crowd, Roy was removed from the game and informed CH President Ronald Corey, who was sitting behind the bench, that he was coming to his final game would play with the team.

We are of course hoping for a much more positive scenario at CH on Saturday.

Planned training of Canadians
Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Sean Monahan
Brendan Gallagher – Christian Dvorak – Josh Anderson
Tanner Pearson – Jake Evans – Juraj Slafkovsky
Joel Armia – Mitchell Stephens – Jesse Ylonen

Mike Matheson – Gustav Lindstrom
Kaiden Guhle – Justin Barron
Jayden Struble – Johnathan Kovacevic

Jake Allen
Samuel Montembeault