Patrik Laine injury update: Montreal Canadiens hit setback as Finnish winger gets ruled out of Game 3 match-up against Washington Capitals

Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine won't be playing in a pivotal Game 3 against the Washington Capitals with an upper-body injury . This piles on the pressure for the Montreal Canadiens as they attempt to dig themselves out of their first-round playoff series. Patrik Laine's no-go was made official when he failed to report for the morning skate on Friday, with head coach Martin St. Louis indicating the 27-year-old will be monitored daily.
Montreal Canadiens reshuffle lineup following Patrik Laine injury ahead of crucial Game 3
The Montreal Canadiens, already down 2-0 in their best-of-seven first-round series, were dealt more unwanted news when it was made public that Patrik Laine would not play in Game 3 at Bell Centre. Laine, who was signed last summer from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a second-round draft pick and defenseman Jordan Harris, has been struggling through a tough period, not recording a point in his last seven games.
Head coach Martin St. Louis had sat out Laine in the third period of Game 2 due to poor play over the first two periods. With Laine out, Kasperi Kapanen has been used to pick up the slack in the lineup, and defenseman Arber Xhekaj replaces Jayden Struble.
Montreal Canadiens' offense faces bigger test without Patrik Laine's big shot
Patrik Laine, with his top-tier shooting skillset, especially on the power play, netted 20 goals in 52 games this season, 15 of which were with the man advantage. His contribution was crucial to Montreal's playoff hopes, particularly after he sat out the first two months of the regular season nursing a knee injury.
With Patrik Laine out, the Montreal Canadiens will need other forwards like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky to step up in what is nearly a must-win scenario. As coach Martin St. Louis mentioned ahead of the game, “We have some guys battling things, so we’ll see what we start with tonight. Obviously, in a series, during games, you make adjustments. That’s part of a best-of-seven.”
Bell Centre readies for emotional playoff comeback after years
Friday night's game is a special moment for Montreal supporters: a first sellout playoff game at Bell Centre since 2017. Although the Canadiens had a nostalgic run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, pandemic protocols had the building either full or running at half-capacity during those years.
Also read: Nick Suzuki paces Montreal Canadiens in pivotal home showdown with Chicago Blackhawks
The return of the entire crowd adds more energy, but the Canadiens will need to use it wisely without one of their best scoring weapons. Game 3 will be pivotal in deciding whether Montreal can battle its way back into the series or whether the Washington Capitals will tighten their grip.