During a zoom call after the Montreal Canadiens 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks, head coach Dominique Ducharme confirmed that Ben Chiarot will not play against the Calgary Flames. Ben Chiarot left Wednesday night’s game in the first period after a fight with Canucks forward J.T. Miller.
On his postgame zoom call, MON coach Dominique Ducharme said Ben Chiarot will not play Thursday in CAL
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 11, 2021
Canadiens Ben Chiarot Injured After Fight with J.T. Miller
With just under five minutes left in the first period, J.T. Miller challenged Ben Chiarot to fight. Chiarot connected with a right hand and obviously felt something was wrong right away as he then grabbed a hold of Miller and they both fell to the ice. Chiarot left the ice holding his right hand and was visibly upset after he ripped off his helmet and threw it at the floor while heading to the dressing room.
In 25 games this season, Chiarot has scored one goal and four assists for five points. He has also recorded 44 penalty minutes.
Chiarot was originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the fourth round, 120th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Canadiens Depth to Be Tested
While losing a minute-eater like Chiarot is tough, the Canadiens are much better equipped now than they have ever been in terms of depth. Victor Mete will likely slot into the lineup with the injury to Chiarot. Mete has only appeared in five games so far for the Canadiens this season and has yet to register a point. However, he has appeared in 176 games over his young career. He is certainly well equipped to replace Chiarot, even if it is long-term.
Mete brings a completely different style of play to the Canadiens lineup. He will bring more mobility and puck-moving ability to the Canadiens lineup as opposed to the burly Chiarot. Mete will most likely slot in on the bottom pair next to Brett Kulak or Alexander Romanov, with the other moving to the top pair next to Shea Weber.
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