Last-minute change announced by Martin St-Louis: There is a logical reason why Jesse Ylonen is playing in Arizona

At the time of writing, the Canadiens will face the Arizona Coyotes in a little over an hour. Apart from Jake Allen being in goal, the other change in the lineup is Jesse Ylonen entering in place of Michael Pezzetta.

For the Coyotes, there are two big guys who don't hesitate to mix it up and drop the gloves, Jack McBain and Liam O'Brien. Logic would suggest that Pezzetta should be in uniform to help Arber Xhekaj, but there is a good reason for the change.

It turns out that number 56 was born in Scottsdale, Arizona because his father, Juha Ylonen, played for the Phoenix Coyotes back in the day.




This explains why Martin St-Louis decided to make this change to the lineup. It's in the little details like this that a head coach earns the respect and trust of his players. Another strong indication that the chemistry in the locker room is very solid at all levels.