Sean Monahan’s last match was on December 5, so we’ll understand that he’s starting to look forward to the next one.
He can’t wait, yes, because on Wednesday evening he will be playing his first match since that tragic evening in December in Vancouver, when health problems ruined his season.
Wednesday’s game at the Bell Center will only be a preparatory game, the Canadian’s second this season, but in Monahan’s eyes, that doesn’t change anything at all.
“I just can’t wait to get back to playing,” he admitted Wednesday morning in Brossard. I have never felt so good in my entire career. I haven’t been this nervous in a long time! »
For the occasion, and during this visit from the Ottawa Senators, Monahan will be added to the first line, to the right of Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki.
“In their case, they have all played together before,” noted coach Martin St-Louis. It’s a way of putting them in a position of knowledge on the ice. I want our players to feel good on the ice, and as quickly as possible. »
While Monahan will skate on the first line, Kirby Dach will pilot the second line, in the center, between Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Juraj Slafkovsky, who will be in a second preparatory game. This combination may be a harbinger of the future, or perhaps not. “I still want to see Dach in our center line, but he also gives us options in the company of Suzuki and Caufield,” Martin St-Louis simply replied on this subject.
Otherwise, all the players employed by the Canadian on Wednesday evening will be playing their first preparatory game this season, apart from Slafkovsky of course. Lias Anderson will therefore be on her first lap, just like William Trudeau.
“I still have a way to go,” admitted the Quebec defender. But I’ve heard good things about me since the start of camp, and it’s sure nice to hear. »
Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Sean MonahanRafaël Harvey-Pinard – Kirby Dach – Juraj SlafkovskyLias Andersson – Filip Mesar – Emil HeinemanGabriel Bourque – Brandon Gignac – Jared Davidson
Mike Matheson – David SavardWilliam Trudeau – Johnathan KovacevicMattias Norlinder – Brady Keeper
Jake AllenCayden Primeau