MONTREAL | The Canadiens faced another familiar challenge in 2022. On New Year’s Day, the team added Alexander Romanov and Jake Evans to the COVID-19 protocol list.
Despite a significant number of positive tests within the team, the Habs concluded their southern U.S. trip with a matchup against the Florida Panthers at 1 p.m. at FLA Live Arena.
“Discussions with the NHL have taken place; ultimately, the league holds the final decision,” Dominique Ducharme remarked just over an hour before game time. “We have a contest. I won’t abandon my players; I have 18 to guide. We’ll assess the situation after today’s contest.”
“I don’t have any further arguments,” he added. “I wasn’t negotiating with the league. They are aware of our circumstances and authorized the game. There are no more debates. The game begins at 1 p.m.”
Geoff Molson likely urged NHL officials to postpone the game, but his input wasn’t decisive. Earlier this season, the Los Angeles Kings played a contest with only five defensemen and eleven forwards.
Gallagher’s Absence
Brendan Gallagher, who suffered a lower-body injury against the Hurricanes in Raleigh, missed the Panthers game. Jonathan Drouin, sidelined by a virus in the previous game, returned to the lineup.
Highlighting the unusual circumstances, Ducharme opted to use forward Cam Hillis against the Panthers. He had no other choice. Hillis had played for both the Trois-Rivières Lions in the ECHL and the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League this season.
On defense, the Canadiens relied on David Savard, Brett Kulak, Kale Clague, Sami Niku, and Corey Schueneman against a strong NHL opponent, the Panthers.
The CH had sixteen players sidelined due to COVID-19. Artturi Lehkonen, Laurent Dauphin, and Mike Hoffman were released after completing their ten-day quarantines, but missed the team’s road trip. Goaltending coach Éric Raymond was also absent.
Players Under COVID-19 Protocol
Artturi Lehkonen (December 18)
Laurent Dauphin (December 19)
Mike Hoffman (December 20)
Tyler Toffoli (December 27)
Jake Allen (December 27)
Ben Chiarot (December 27)
Joel Edmundson (December 27)
Jeff Petry (December 27)
Chris Wideman (December 27)
Paul Byron (December 29)
Cayden Primeau (December 29)
Louie Belpedio (December 30)
Gianni Fairbrother (December 30)
Brandon Baddock (December 31)
Alexander Romanov (January 1)
Jake Evans (January 1)
