'Here I am now': Canadiens' Pezzetta beats odds, looks good in NHL debut

Michael Pezzetta made his NHL debut for Montreal Canadiens against Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday. He was drafted by the Canadiens 160th overall in 2016. Pezetta played in the OHL, the AHL and the ECHL before coming to the NHL. He had a team-leading five hits and a couple of shots on net. The 23-year-old had his parents, girlfriend, 27 other family members and friends at the game. After the match, he had some words for his doubters. "There was a lot of times when people would tell me I wasn't good enough and that I was never going to make it."

Romanov is taking a step back to move forward. He has boundless energy, but it can be his biggest weakness.

Romanov was scratched from Montreal's win over Detroit on Tuesday. The 21-year-old Russian played 68 games in the NHL and two seasons in KHL. He's averaged 18:18 through the first 10 games and played over 20 minutes in two of the last three games. Ducharme wants to give Romanov the freedom to make mistakes and discipline him when he does. Romanova made a mistake on Troy Terry's game-winning goal. He was watching the game from up top. It's a fine line between giving Romanovo the leash and enforcing discipline. His overexcitement got the better of him in a loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday and a 4-2 loss against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.

Cole Caufield was sent to Laval to preserve his confidence. Caulfield played well in the last two games.

Caufield is in Laval for a game on Saturday. He will play big minutes and have the puck on his stick more often. Caufied is the favourite for the Calder Trophy. He is confident he will find his way back to the Montreal Canadiens soon.

Mathieu Perreault is out for up to three weeks. Cedric Paquette is suspended for two games. Ryan Poehling was recalled to Laval. He was injured early in the season. Jonathan Drouin was hit in face with a puck on Tuesday. Drugin is clear of concussion symptoms.