Maple Leafs‘ Blais Gets Chance to Shine Against Former Team, Potential Xhekaj Matchup Looms
MONTREAL – Samuel Blais will draw into teh Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup Saturday night when thay face the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Center, a decision Leafs coach Craig Berube attributed to Blais’s physicality. The game marks the first rematch between the two rivals since their season opener on October 8th.
blais, a Quebec native, was a healthy scratch for Toronto’s last game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday and has appeared in only 7 of the Maple Leafs’ 21 games this season. Though, despite limited ice time averaging 8:05 per game, he’s made an impact with 27 hits and has contributed offensively with one goal and two assists.
“its robustness,” Berube succinctly explained when asked about the lineup change. He elaborated,”In my opinion,it’s going to be a arduous match,a physical match. I think that sammy can disturb them a little by using his robust side. And he’s been making some good plays with the puck lately.”
The opportunity is particularly meaningful for Blais, who was waived by the Canadiens at the end of training camp before being claimed by the Maple Leafs on October 6th. He acknowledged the significance of facing his former team. “One Saturday night in Montreal, the Canadiens against the Leafs. I think it’s going to be a good fight,” Blais said. “They have a lot of talent and they are also capable of playing a physical game. But we’re also capable of playing that way, so we’re going to be ready for a big game.”
Adding another layer of intrigue to the contest is the potential for the first regular season appearance of both Xhekaj brothers - Leon and Otto – in the Canadiens’ lineup concurrently. While not explicitly confirmed, the timing of Blais’s insertion has led to speculation about a strategic response to the potential physicality the Xhekajs could bring.
Blais expressed confidence in his ability to contribute. ”I still had grate opportunities to show what I was capable of doing, and I think I did well in the matches where I was in the lineup,” he stated. “I hope to continue that tonight.”
