2 weeks Ago
MONTREAL -- Montreal 's Patrik Laine is out for Friday's Game 3 of the Canadiens' first-round playoff series against Washington because of an upper-body injury. Laine missed the team's morning skate, and the Canadiens said he will be evaluated daily. Laine, 27, was benched for the third period of Wednesday's 3-1 loss in Game 2 after a difficult first two periods.
Kasperi Kapanen replaced Laine, while defenseman Arber Xhekaj was inserted into the lineup for Jayden Struble . The Capitals lead the best-of-seven series 2-0. Editor's Picks Habs' Laine misses morning skate before Game 3 15m Laine, known for his dangerous shot, hasn't scored in his past seven games.
The Canadiens acquired Laine and a second-round draft pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets last summer for defenseman Jordan Harris . Laine had 20 goals, including 15 on the power play, and 13 assists in 52 games this season after missing the first two months with a knee injury. "We have some guys battling things, so we'll see what we start with tonight," Canadiens coach Martin St.
Louis said earlier Friday. "Obviously in a series, during games, you make adjustments. That's part of a best-of-seven.
" Montreal is hosting its first playoff game in front of a sold-out crowd since 2017. The Canadiens played in an empty, or reduced-capacity, Bell Centre during their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021..
