Canadiens Face Injury Challenges as Newhook Faces Extended Absence, Guhle Remains Sidelined
Montreal, QC – November 3, 2023 – The Montreal canadiens are navigating a challenging stretch with key players sidelined due to injury. Forward Jake Newhook is expected to be out for four to six weeks with a lower body injury, the team announced on October 18th, after last playing on October 16th.
The Canadiens have recalled forward Jared Davidson from the Laval Rocket, their American Hockey league affiliate, to bolster their forward depth. Davidson, a 23-year-old from Alberta, has recorded nine goals and two assists in 13 games with the Rocket this season.He was originally selected by Montreal in the fifth round (130th overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and has yet to make his NHL debut.
In addition to Newhook’s absence, defenseman Kaiden Guhle remains out of the lineup.
Following a decisive 7-0 loss to the Dallas Stars, the Canadiens held a video review session to analyze their performance. Only Lane Hutson, Zachary bolduc, Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen, Evans, and Brendan Gallagher participated in on-ice practice at the CN Sports Complex.
“We understand what we did wrong,” said forward Evans. “We lost 7-0, but I don’t think we played that bad. And we wont to move forward. We have been playing good hockey since the start of the season. We can be proud of our record. I’m not going to worry too much about all that.”
Head coach Martin St-Louis emphasized the need for defensive improvements, particularly in the team’s physical engagement. “In the defensive zone, we are there, but it’s not enough to just be there. We have to do the work,” St-Louis stated. “Sometimes, this work to be done is far from the puck. It’s about fighting in front of the net, neutralizing sticks in front of the net. These are one-on-one battles higher up on the ice,on the edge of the boards. Can we stifle more games? Can we be more aggressive, instead of being passive and just keeping the opponent on top of the rest of us? When you have the chance, you must neutralize the opponent. But we need to be more physically engaged.”
Despite losing four of their last five games (1-2-2), the Canadiens currently hold first place in the Atlantic Division. Players acknowledge the urgency to break out of their recent slump,but remain confident in their strong start to the season.
“Even yesterday (Thursday), I liked how we started the game,” said forward Josh anderson.”We approached this game the right way and we have to build on that.”
The Canadiens will face a tough test on Saturday when they host the Boston Bruins at the Bell Center. Both teams have 22 points in the standings, though Boston has played two more games. The Bruins had previously won seven consecutive games before a 5-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday.
Players view the rivalry matchup as an ideal possibility to rebound with a strong performance. “they’re a team we love to play against,” Anderson admitted. “It will be a physical match, so a good opportunity for all of us to be physically involved, to be at our best.”
Samuel Montembeault will start in net for the Canadiens against the Bruins, as confirmed by St-Louis.
