Canadiens vs Maple Leafs: Caufield, Kotkaniemi, Romanov Sitting

There was chatter coming out of recent Montreal Canadiens practices that a couple of key youngster might not be suiting up for the Habs as the team got set to face off with the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 1 of their first-round series match up. That was confirmed on Tuesday, when John Lu of TSN reported Cole Caufield, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Alexnader Romanov would all be healthy scratches.

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#Habs Romanov will also sit Game 1. Merrill and Weber practised together today and likely will be a pair to start the series. @TSN_Edge

— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) May 18, 2021

Lu wrote, “As anticipated based on practices since Saturday, Habs Caufield and Kotkaniemi will sit out Game 1. However, Ducharme expects he will play them in the series.” He adds, “Romanov will also sit Game 1. Merrill and Weber practiced together today and likely will be a pair to start the series.”

Lu went on to note during a TSN interview that head coach Dominique Ducharme has decided to run with experience over top-end talent potential. While Caufield has four goals in 10 games, there’s concern that popping him into a playoff game right away, and prioritizing him over some of the other right wing options the team has in Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson, Joel Armia, Paul Byron or Corey Perry. “All of those players fill a role and are experienced veterans,” Lu said.

Caufield Will Study Game 1

Lu added, “It’s clearly a matter of trust,” and that the team wants a player like Caufield to sit and watch Game 1 so that, when he does slot in, he’s ready. They key for the youngster is to play close attention to the pacing, physicality and the demands of a playoff game. If he watches from the press box and then gets the call the next night, he’ll have a better understand of what’s awaiting him.

This goes too for Romanov who is sitting while Shea Weber gets the call. Weber is clearly not 100% after taking reps in practice. But, his experience and leadership is key for the Canadiens and the team has chosen a half-effective veteran over a young rookie with a lot of potential upside.

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