Monday could have been a bad night for Craig Smith. It’s definitely a bad one for the Montreal Canadiens.
The losing kept going, for one thing (you can read about their shootout loss to the Nashville Predators here).
There was some frustration, too, including a missed penalty on Nathan Beaulieu. The trade deadline may be a time of selling for Montreal.
If that all wasn’t enough, the Habs will lose Tom Gilbert for the rest of the season thanks to a left knee injury that requires surgery.
Medical update: Tom Gilbert (left knee) - will require a season-ending surgery.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 23, 2016
The Habs recalled Victor Bartley in Gilbert’s absence:
The Canadiens announced tonight the recall of defenseman Victor Bartley from St. John's.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 23, 2016
Gilbert isn’t the presence he once was, but it’s another slap in the face for a Habs team dealing with what’s often been a painful season.