Earlier today, Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis answered questions from journalists in a press conference.

He notably announced that his forward Patrik Laine will not be in the lineup tonight against the Vancouver Canucks.

 

Following this, a new statement from the Canadiens’ head coach surfaced, seemingly giving more insight into the real reason behind Laine’s absence for tonight’s game.

Patrik Laine benched simply because he hasn’t skated in four days?

It’s up to you to interpret it your way, but here’s what Martin St-Louis said at the press conference earlier today when asked about Laine.

He appears to have dropped a hint about the true reason behind Laine’s absence tonight.

Laine will not play tonight.

“He hasn’t skated in four days.

We’ll see today, and maybe he’ll be able to play tomorrow in Seattle.”

– Martin St-Louis

This statement was reported by RDS journalist Luc Gélinas and can be heard during the live press conferences.

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As you can see in the video below, the way MSL says it really makes it seem like Laine is being benched tonight simply because he hasn’t skated in four days.

 

If this were a playoff game, would Laine be in the lineup tonight in Vancouver?

Additionally, let’s not forget that the talented Finnish winger of the Canadiens skated earlier today, which led to some interesting footage..