Patrik Laine's absence from the Canadiens' morning skate raises eyebrows as Montreal preps for Game 3 against the Capitals, trailing 2-0 in the series. The 27-year-old forward was benched by head coach Martin St. Louis for the entirety of the third period in Game 2, where he recorded just one assist and a minus-2 rating through the first two games. Laine, who had a solid season with 33 points from 20 goals and 13 assists in 52 games, faces pressure to perform as he has been a prolific scorer throughout his career.

Laine's journey has seen him transition from the Winnipeg Jets to the Columbus Blue Jackets and now to the Canadiens. His track record, including being a seven-time 20-goal scorer and the second overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, underscores the expectations surrounding him. With the series on the line, his ability to rebound from recent struggles is crucial for Montreal's playoff hopes.