We have some news with the Montreal Canadiens, specifically regarding forward Patrik Laine.

This is what we were very curious to see today, and it has just been confirmed, but Martin St-Louis has indeed shaken up his lines.

After benching Laine for the entirety of the third period (or almost) against the Anaheim Ducks, St-Louis adds another layer by demoting Laine to a lower line.

Wow. The message is clear.

It’s over for Patrik Laine in his usual spot on the second line

Laine is out from the top-6 and is indeed demoted to the third line of the Canadiens by MSL.

Here’s the result:

«Slafkovsky-Suzuki-Caufield

Newhook-Dach-Reinbacher (Anderson)

Laine-Evans-Armia

Pezz-Dvorak-Gallagher»

Reinbacher temporarily took Josh Anderson’s spot, who wasn’t on the ice, but Laine is certainly demoted to the “bottom-6” of the Canadiens.

Tomorrow against the San Jose Sharks, it will be Josh Anderson alongside Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.

Do you like this decision?

 

Here’s the official statement from the Canadiens:

 

Martin St-Louis’ «punishment» for Patrik Laine continues.

Let’s just say the message is very clear.

We’ll now have to watch if Laine will keep his spot on the first power play unit of the Canadiens.

It will now be up to the talented Finnish forward to respond in the best way possible to the challenge.

Details will follow.