Martin St-Louis sends a clear message to Patrik Laine ahead of crucial Devils clash
|
Cimon Asselin
Apr 4, 2026 (1:55 PM)
|
|
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Patrik Laine stays out as Martin St-Louis leans on Phillip Danault for a key road game against the Devils.
No roster move up front. That decision says plenty.
Laine remains on the injured list, but the timing points to more than just recovery.
Montreal is walking into a high-stakes matchup, sitting at 44-21-10 with 98 points.
This isn't a night for experiments. It's a night for trust.
And right now, that trust runs through Danault.
He's expected to return after that late-game scare in New York.
That steadies the Canadiens down the middle and tightens their defensive structure immediately.
Laine pushed further out of the picture
Danault's presence impacts both special teams and matchup assignments.
He handles tough minutes and gives St-Louis a reliable option against top lines.
That ripple effect pushes skill players into narrower roles.
And Laine doesn't have one right now.
He has just 1 point in 5 games this season. That production doesn't force a coach's hand in April.
Especially not for a team chasing playoff positioning in the Atlantic.
Montreal has scored 265 goals this season, showing they can generate offense without leaning on him.
Meanwhile, Brendan Gallagher keeps his spot by playing a straight-line game.
He's at 22 points in 74 games, but he brings pace and pressure every shift.
That fits the current identity more than Laine's perimeter style.
The message inside the room is clear.
Ice time is earned through details, not reputation.
Kent Hughes hasn't made a move to open a spot, either.
So the internal competition stays tight, and Laine keeps watching.
With the standings tightening and games running out, the window is shrinking.
If Laine is going to get back in, it has to happen fast.
Because right now, Martin St-Louis isn't blinking.
Also read on Puck Reporter :
Viral clip of referee confronting Porter Martone has NHL fans furious
Viral clip of referee confronting Porter Martone has NHL fans furious