Habs Bench Texier, Xhekaj vs Caps

Montreal's coaching staff sends a clear message by healthy-scratching Texier and Xhekaj for the showdown with Washington, sparking questions about lineup priorities down the stretch. These are players who bring size and skill, yet they sit as the Habs grind through a tight schedule. The move hints at bigger picture tweaks with playoff positioning on the line and front offices buzzing.