P.K. Subban, Jeff Petry, Tom Gilbert and now Mark Barberio – the Habs’ blue line has been decimated by injuries.
The team announced Friday Barberio is out indefinitely with a concussion. But the injuries give others a chance to step up and show they belong.
“It's all about repetition. You get opportunities to get out there and make plays, if you make a bad play then you get to go right back out there again and make up for it. Then you can let it go easier and move forward,” said defencemanGreg Pateryn.
Victor Bartley, who came over in the trade that sent Jarred Tinordi to the Coyotes, says he feels for Barberio.
“He came from number 6-7-8 to number two in last few weeks, he’s done a great job, but at the same time it's an opportunity for other guys to step up and show what we can do. I’m looking to go out there and play my game. My game isn't fancy. It's straight up and down hockey, be physical. Play hard and that's it,” he said.
The Habs also are using the end of the season to not only evaluate their defence corps but also see if the club could use a little toughness. They were pushed around a lot this season, and Marc Bergevin is asking himself if he needs a Mike Brown type.
“Everyone wants to win. They're going to go with the best guy to win that game. It’s a daily basis. We all know that in this room” he said.
Forward Mike McCarron is also seen as someone who will provide toughness to the team.
“These guys are my teammates and i go to war with them every night. You stick up for each other, and teams that stick together win together,” he said.
Notes: Carey Price continues to skate before practice. He is expected to play before season’s end. … David Desharnais continues to skate after practice. He was originally supposed to be gone with a broken foot for three weeks. It’s been five weeks, but the staff expects he too will be back before the end of the season.
