Canadiens Announce Lineup for Maple Leafs Opener, but One Choice Surprises Fans
Live from Brossard this morning, the Montreal Canadiens revealed their lineup at practice, one day before their season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The forward lines and defensive pairings were published on the official NHL website, and in my opinion, one big surprise stands out: Joe Veleno was not among the four main forward lines.
"Here are the lines and defense pairings featured by head coach Martin St-Louis:"
Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky,
Bolduc - Dach - Gallagher,
Newhook - Kapanen - Demidov,
Anderson - Evans - Laine.
Matheson - Dobson,
Guhle - Hutson,
Xhekaj - Carrier,
Montembeault - Dobes
Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky,
Bolduc - Dach - Gallagher,
Newhook - Kapanen - Demidov,
Anderson - Evans - Laine.
Matheson - Dobson,
Guhle - Hutson,
Xhekaj - Carrier,
Montembeault - Dobes
In addition, according to the club's official website, Jayden Struble and Joe Veleno rounded out the group, but without direct participation in the main combinations.
"Jayden Struble and Joe Veleno completed the group.
The team opens its regular season against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night at Scotiabank Arena." - Montreal Canadiens
The team opens its regular season against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night at Scotiabank Arena." - Montreal Canadiens
Joe Veleno Left Out Despite an Excellent Montreal Canadiens Training Camp
For Struble, this is not a surprise: the young defenseman was already expected to be the seventh defender, ready to step in if needed.
But in Veleno's case, it's a different story, I think.
The former first-round pick had a perfect camp, showing strong intensity and exceptional versatility.
I find that seeing him left out for the opening game would be a surprising decision.
It's a curious choice, especially since Veleno, until now, seemed to have earned the coaching staff's trust.
Wednesday's game against the Maple Leafs could therefore set the tone for an interesting rotation early in the season.
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