Montreal Canadiens get concerning update as several players are suddenly injured
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Florian Xhekaj left Canadiens practice after a few minutes Monday, and Oliver Kapanen and Mike Matheson sat out for treatment. Sabres are next.
Florian Xhekaj's return to the ice lasted only a few minutes on Monday.
The Montreal Canadiens rookie forward joined practice at the Bell Centre, then left early after struggling to move at full speed.
Montreal held its skate at the Bell Centre instead of Brossard because the team was taking its annual group photo.
Xhekaj had sat out Saturday's game against the Detroit Red Wings, so seeing him back on the ice looked like a positive sign, at least for a moment.
Why he left early
RDS reporter Patrick Friolet was at the session and noticed Xhekaj grimacing every time he tried to pick up speed.
He looked uncomfortable, and after a conversation with a therapist, he called it a day.
Xhekaj has no points through two games this season.
His absence against Detroit forced Montreal to dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen, a tight setup that could be needed again.
Kapanen and Matheson get treatment
The Canadiens also announced that forward Oliver Kapanen and defenseman Mike Matheson would skip practice for a day of therapy.
Kapanen has yet to play this season because of an undisclosed injury, and the club has handled him carefully.
Matheson's absence was labeled a treatment day, with no further details given.
With Kapanen still sidelined and Matheson getting treatment, the Canadiens are managing bodies at both forward and defense.
That puts extra pressure on head coach Martin St-Louis to find the right combinations before puck drop.
Montreal hosts the Buffalo Sabres at the Bell Centre on Tuesday night.
Given how Monday went, it would be a surprise to see Xhekaj in the lineup, so watch warmups for the latest.
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