The Montreal Canadiens didn’t practice yesterday, so at this stage, we do not know what Martin St-Louis has in store for Habs fans in game three on Friday night. What we do know, however, is that Aliaksei Protas has been making progress and has travelled to Montreal with the Washington Capitals. 

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Now down 2-0 and after having been physically dominated by Spencer Carbery’s man, one can wonder if St-Louis will decide to use one of the cards he has up his sleeve. Earlier in the series, he said that gritty defenseman Arber Xhekaj was part of his roster and was a card he had in his hand. Is it time to use that card?

The Canadiens’ bench boss also said he didn’t believe putting Xhekaj in the lineup would change the way Tom Wilson plays, but last game, after being roughed up by Josh Anderson, the Caps’ heavyweight passed on an occasion to crush Lane Hutson into the boards. It’s impossible to know if there was a correlation, but it’s still interesting.

Even if Xhekaj’s presence doesn’t change how Wilson plays, it will impact his own teammates. Habs players have repeatedly said since Xhekaj’s arrival that he makes everyone feel and play bigger. After being dominated 79-61 in hits without having most of the puck possession, the Canadiens need to do something.

Jayden Struble and David Savard didn’t look great in the last game, and if Xhekaj is ever going to be inserted in the lineup, it should be now, not once the Canadiens are down 3-0 in the series and staring down the elimination barrel.

Considering the way St-Louis cut his bench in the third frame on Wednesday night, he could even choose to dress seven defensemen and 11 forwards. Numerous analysts have suggested the Habs should scratch Patrik Laine, which may be one option, but I do not see that happening.

After being given 20 full minutes of riding the pine on Wednesday night, I think St-Louis will be giving the Finnish sniper another chance. After all, he said he was happy with his effort after game one, and the Canadiens are struggling to score right now. I don’t think they can afford to scratch Laine. He hasn’t been a factor yet, but he only needs one good play to tilt the scales.

The only reinforcements we are certain the Canadiens are getting are the 21,000-plus fans who will fill the Bell Centre to the brim to cheer on their favourites. Since the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Habs are 10-0-2 at home, and the players are well-aware of that. The two losses were in the shootout; there is no such thing in the playoffs...

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