Leafs insert hometown forward against the Canadiens
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Benoit-Olivier Groulx gets a massive opportunity tonight as he steps into the lineup to face head coach Martin St-Louis and the Montreal Canadiens.
The hometown kid is officially drawing in for the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre. TVA Sports reporter Renaud Lavoie was the first to spot the clear lineup change this morning.
Groulx left the ice quickly during the optional morning skate in Brossard. Every veteran in the locker room knows that an early exit is the universal sign a player is suiting up for the game.
The Toronto coaching staff is making a calculated adjustment to their bottom six ahead of this intense divisional clash. Playing in your own backyard always brings an unmatched level of energy to a player's game.
It guarantees a highly motivated forward stepping over the boards for every single shift tonight.
The historic rivalry between these two franchises guarantees a physical, punishing pace right from the opening puck drop.
The Maple Leafs are betting that hometown spark translates directly into crisp passing and solid execution on the ice.
A Rewarding Season Defying The Odds
Groulx absolutely earned this look after a phenomenal offensive campaign with the Toronto Marlies.
He dominated the American Hockey League this season, lighting the lamp 27 times. Racking up 50 points proves he is ready for another legitimate shot in the Show.
His impressive +13 rating at the minor league level shows a complete two-way game that coaches trust. Originally selected in the second round, his path has required immense patience.
Over his NHL career, the 26-year-old center has logged 65 games. He brings a physical edge, providing a steady, reliable presence to the checking line when the game tightens up.
The Canadiens will counter with their own youth movement in the crease tonight to handle the heavy pressure. Jakub Dobes takes the net for Montreal, tasked with shutting down an energized Toronto forward group.
Securing a much-needed victory on home ice against their oldest rival would be a massive boost for the entire Montreal squad as they navigate the rest of the schedule.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 10|37 ANSWERS Leafs insert hometown forward against the Canadiens Will Benoit-Olivier Groulx record a point tonight against the Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 15 | 40.5 % |
| No | 22 | 59.5 % |
| List of polls | ||