Vancouver Canucks’ Manny Malhotra expected to play in Game 1 of the Final series against Boston Bruins
Manny Malhotra, Vancouver Canucks well known centre player, has not played a single playoff game since his eye injury in March. Since his injury, Malhotra has been with the team on a day-to-day basis after he was required to have an eye surgery. However, now after being cleared over the weekend, he is expected to play in Canucks’ first game against Boston Bruins.
The National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs Stanley Cup Final is all set to begin between the top teams of the Western and Eastern Conference, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins, respectively.
Having Manny Malhotra in their line-up, Canucks is bound to gain an immense boost in its game from the veteran player.
"It's easy to play with that guy. He's really smart and he's a leader so he talks a lot on the ice … it makes things so much easier", said Vancouver’s second center, Maxim Lapierre. "The first few games I played with him, when he was in the line-up, I already knew what kind of player he was and what he can bring to the team”.
Malhotra was struck on his left eye by the puck, back in March during a regular season game against Colorado Avalanche.
He underwent eye surgery and has been recovering from the surgery since then. Malhotra was cleared and was given the green signal over the weekend and took part in the team’s practice on Monday.
Looking at his way of practice, it looks like he is all good to go while Canucks’ coach, Alain Vigneault, is still not disclosing his surety of playing in the opening game.
He is still on a day-to-day basis said Vigneault while talking to media during the team practice in Vancouver at the Rogers Arena. Not wanting to spoil the surprise, many could understand his reason for not giving a definite answer regarding the situation.
Along with Malhotra’s return, Vancouver is also getting back their much needed defenseman, Christian Ehrhoff, who went out with a shoulder injury in game four of the Western Conference Finals against San Jose Sharks.
It has also been confirmed that he will be returning to play in game one which will certainly boost Canucks’ performance in the Stanley Cup Finals.
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