The real reason why Hoffman was scratched from the lineup yesterday is revealed and it's really disappointing

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MarcO
January 13, 2023 (8:28 PM)

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As we reported yesterday, forward Mike Hoffman was once again removed from the lineup by head coach Martin St-Louis.

It must be said that St-Louis was patient with Hoffman and gave him many opportunities (too many according to some), but yesterday, for the third time in four games, Hoffman was in the stands during the CH game.

Clearly, St-Louis has a message for him.

According to the journalist Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports, there would be a real reason behind this decision and behind these stays in the stands.

St-Louis wants Hoffman to get more involved and he wants him to sacrifice more for his team.

A specific sequence identified.

Notably, St. Louis really wouldn't have liked a certain sequence during the Habs' game against the Seattle Kraken.

"On that sequence that led to a Kraken goal, he does everything in his power to stay out of the shot path."

- Renaud Lavoie

Lavoie is talking here about a sequence in which Hoffman could have easily blocked a shot, or at least tried to block it, but no, he chose instead to stop skating so he wouldn't be in traffic. He avoided the shot completely.

A rather embarrassing and disappointing sequence featuring Hoffman.

The footage is at the bottom, but we spotted a good example on one of Seattle's goals. You can't see very well, but it gives a good idea:

For the full footage and Renaud Lavoie's explanations, it's here. You can see it very clearly:

Credit: Fanadians.com