Unsurprisingly, Patrik Laine’s injury was the center of attention when the Canadiens players returned from that 2-1 loss to the Maple Leafs. Nobody was impressed. Whether through the gesture of Cédric Paré or through the decision of the officials.

“I think it dragged on quite a bit [vers Laine]started captain Nick Suzuki. The referees on the ice said it was just a collision. I only saw one shot, but I’ll definitely take a closer look.

“It’s important to play with intensity to be ready for the season, but I don’t think there’s room for a knee-jerk like that anymore. It doesn’t matter who the player is,” Mike Matheson said.

At the very least, Francis Charron or Ghislain Hébert, the two referees on duty at the Bell Centre, should have handed out a penalty for obstruction. At least!

“I know it’s quick for the referees and that it’s a blow between two guys, but it’s a blow you don’t want to see,” emphasized David Savard.

The officials’ inaction increased frustration on the Canadian bench. Arber Xhekaj, Juraj Slafkovsky and Josh Anderson took turns throwing the gloves.

“It shows that if you want to play against us like that, we will be there for our teammates and defend ourselves,” Matheson said.

Like its defender, St-Louis also stressed that it appreciated its players’ reaction during the post-match press conference.

“Teams need to know that we are capable of being tough. Not necessarily by always throwing away the gloves, but by having pack spirit. It’s important and I know we have that.”

Slafkovsky must take his place

We had to remember that there was a game even if the result didn’t matter. His troops had to find a way to calm down. Which wasn’t obvious given everything that was going on.

“You have to be able to be a thermostat. Sometimes it’s difficult. In first grade we were much more of a thermometer. Sometimes it calms itself down, sometimes it’s up to the coach to do it,” said St-Louis, who admitted to having a discussion about it during the second intermission.

Furthermore, Juraj Slafkovsky may be a gem of the team, an important part of its attack, but he didn’t feel bad throwing down the gloves in front of Marshall Rifai. Even if the Slovakian had to retreat to the dressing room for a few moments afterwards.

“Slaf, he’s a big guy. He has to take his place, he has to show that he can achieve this, he indicated. It’s not about doing it all the time, it’s about making others aware of his ability to do it.”