The Montreal Canadiens came out of their holiday break to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night. While they managed to erase an early two-goal deficit to make for an entertaining game, they couldn’t stay out of their own way, surrendering two third-period goals to lose 5-3 in the end.
The game exposed a few problems with the team that need to be addressed, but none more pronounced than the fact that Justin Barron needs to spend some time in Laval.
It was a rough night for Barron, as he seemed to be swimming in aggressive rapids any time he had to play without the puck on his stick. There have been flashes of brilliance when he has possession, but his play without it has been shockingly bad at times. The game against the Hurricanes was one of those times.
His Bill Buckner-esque handling at the offensive blue line, another issue that has plagued him recently, was also on display.
Arber Xhekaj has his flaws, but you don’t see these types of mistakes from him nearly as often. He still has a similar level of offensive ability, but with less frustration on the defensive side. He also brings the added benefit of being someone who would have gladly escorted Stefan Noesen to the shadow realm if he were present for that uncalled hit on Juraj Slafkovsky.
Time in Laval isn’t problematic, and it certainly made Barron a better player last year. Xhekaj is a better option for the Habs right now, and perhaps a stint with the Rocket could have a similar effect for Barron as it has in the past. He simply isn’t up to speed right now, and continuing to trot him out there appears to be doing more damage than good. Even if the team wants to leave Xhekaj in Laval for the time being, Logan Mailloux looks like he’d be a better option at this stage.
They head to Florida this weekend for a back-to-back, and regardless of who they pick to replace him, the ideal lineup for that trip doesn’t involve Justin Barron.
