Photo credit: NHL

We had some action with the Montreal Canadiens this morning. Notably, in a press conference, head coach Martin St-Louis addressed the Arber Xhekaj situation.

The Sheriff will not be in uniform tonight, and unlike Michael Pezzetta, he will be left out.

Listening to Martin St-Louis, you get the sense he’s not in a hurry to bring Xhekaj back into the lineup.

In short, it’s something to watch, but after confirming his decision on Arber Xhekaj, MSL made an unusual statement.

Martin St-Louis mentions, for one of the rare times, that the Habs are playing their game of the year tonight against the Florida Panthers

In press conferences, St-Louis has never really wanted to put too much emphasis on one game in particular and has always simply said that every game is important.

However, today, he changed his usual message and made a big statement.

Habs coach Marty St. Louis today:

“It’s the most important game of the season. It feels like the playoffs, you’re playing against the same team so..”

Via HabsOnReddit

It’s interesting, especially because for this “most important game of the season,” he prefers to send Michael Pezzetta into the action over Arber Xhekaj or Joshua Roy.

Do you like this decision?

No Arber Xhekaj and no Joshua Roy tonight for Martin St-Louis and the Habs

He made his call.

“Habs coach Marty St. Louis confirmed today that there are no lineup changes expected vs the Panthers tonight:

– Arber Xhekaj still a healthy scratch
– Joshua Roy is still a healthy scratch
– Emil Heineman remains on the 2nd line
– Michael Pezzetta remains on the 4th line”

HabsOnReddit

In any case, they really need a big win tonight! For the full press conference from Martin St-Louis, it’s right here: