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Canadiens' Patrik Laine could still help Montreal in playoffs
TL;DR
Patrik Laine's return during the playoffs remains uncertain, but he could significantly impact the Montreal Canadiens' chances. The Canadiens face a crucial Game 7 against the Tampa Bay Lightning to advance in the playoffs.
Key points
- Patrik Laine's playoff return is uncertain
- Montreal Canadiens face Game 7 against Tampa Bay Lightning
- Laine could have helped Canadiens advance earlier
Mentioned in this story
Patrik Laine
Montreal CanadiensTampa Bay Lightning
Canadiens' Patrik Laine could still help Montreal in playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There's been no indication that Patrik Laine will return during the playoffs.
But if the Montreal Canadiens wanted to shake things up, maybe Laine would be the perfect solution.
The Canadiens have a Game 7 on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lightning to determine who makes it out of the first round. And maybe if Montreal had Laine available to them earlier, they would've advanced already.
Unfortunately, an abdominal injury has held Laine out of all but five games this season.
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The good news for Montreal is that if it wanted to bring Laine off of long-term injured reserve, it could.
"FYI, if he was activated, despite his huge AAV, the Habs would still be playoff-cap compliant," wrote Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin in a new article on Friday.
Q&A
Will Patrik Laine return for the Canadiens in the playoffs?
There has been no indication that Patrik Laine will return during the playoffs.
How could Patrik Laine impact the Canadiens' playoff chances?
If available earlier, Patrik Laine might have helped the Canadiens advance beyond the first round.
When is the Canadiens' Game 7 against the Lightning?
The Canadiens' Game 7 against the Tampa Bay Lightning is scheduled for Sunday.
