The Montreal Canadiens closed out their pre-season on Saturday night, defeating the Ottawa Senators 6-4 in their final preparatory match. Records mean nothing at this stage, but the win did improve the Habs to a .500 record in tune-up games, and took them a step closer to deciding what their final roster will look like when the season starts this Wednesday.
For his part, Mattias Norlinder has done everything in his power to earn a roster spot, and certainly won’t be an easy cut if it comes to that.
Not only has Norlinder been one of the more impressive defenders through camp, he’s been one of the few who appears capable of helping the power play, an area in which the Habs are in dire straits. He scored a simple, yet smart goal against Ottawa, walking the blue line just enough to get the right lane, and allowing traffic in front to help him tie the game for his team.
As of this writing, the blue line remains a tad crowded in Montreal. Still, it seems hard to imagine the team not giving Norlinder his chance, as he’s easily been among the best six defenders they’ve iced in the pre-season. If you’re running a meritocracy, which would be logical for a team still rebuilding, he’s earned a shot to prove he belongs against the best in the world.
Unfortunately, the Habs simply have too many contracts. Norlinder may have to start the season in Laval in spite of his play, and as a victim to a simple numbers game. More clarity should be offered in the coming days, as management will have to trim the roster one more time before the season opener on Wednesday in Toronto.
Whatever the result for Norlinder, he should have his head held high, as he has done everything possible to put himself in contention for a roster spot.
Click the play button below to listen to your full Bottom Six Minutes, also available wherever you usually get your podcasts. I’d like to wish everyone a happy thanksgiving with family and friends, and we’ll be back this Wednesday when the Habs kick off the regular season against the hated Toronto Maple Leafs.
