Montreal Canadiens Shake Up Lines in Quebec City as Patrik Laine Faces Demotion
An unexpected reshuffling of the Montreal Canadiens' lines ahead of tonight's game in Quebec sends Patrik Laine to the bottom of the offensive hierarchy.
The new Montreal Canadiens lineup, unveiled at this morning's practice, created a real shockwave.
Patrik Laine, who until now was part of the second line with Kirby Dach and Ivan Demidov, lost his spot to none other than Brendan Gallagher.
The shock is even greater when you notice that Laine wasn't just moved-he was outright taken out of the top 12 forwards to land on the 4th line..
"Patrik Laine and Martin St-Louis for several minutes together this morning before." - Patrick Guillet
Patrik Laine demoted out of the top 12 as Brendan Gallagher takes his place
This turnaround confirms that Martin St-Louis wants to test other offensive combinations.
Brendan Gallagher was placed on the first line alongside Zachary Bolduc and Dach, while young Ivan Demidov keeps his place with Alex Newhook and Olivier Kapanen.
Laine, for his part, was seen with the extras, which often amounts to a clear message from the coach: his place is not guaranteed.
This decision comes in an already tense context.
Indeed, on BPM Sports radio, Gilbert Delorme recently dropped a phrase that resonates strongly today:
"He's a burden for everyone.
We don't know where to put him, we don't know what to do with him, we're afraid to demote him because if we demote him, he's going to sulk.. [So Demidov is the one who pays the price]."
- Gilbert Delorme, on BPM Sports
.We don't know where to put him, we don't know what to do with him, we're afraid to demote him because if we demote him, he's going to sulk.. [So Demidov is the one who pays the price]."
- Gilbert Delorme, on BPM Sports
It must be remembered that Laine was acquired to bring back offensive punch, but so far, his performance and involvement are being questioned.
In Montreal, many are already wondering if his stay with the Canadiens could be short-lived.
Personally, I find that a player with his talent should be used in a clear role, but his defensive shortcomings and lack of effort aren't helping him.
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