Julien: 'It was a simple message'

KANATA - You don't have to look very far to understand Claude Julien's decision.

The Habs head coach faced several questions about his decision to scratch Artturi Lehkonen in his team's 4-3 overtime win over the Capitals on Thursday in Washington.
The veteran bench boss said he'd like to see more offensively from Lehkonen, who has just three goals and two assists in his last 20 games.
"He's a player we see as part of our future. It was just a message for a player who is capable of offering us more offensively. Defensively, he's very good. But we think he's able to offer more offensively. It was a simple message," explained Julien during his media availability following Friday's optional practice at the Canadian Tire Centre. "Unfortunately, coaches sometimes have to make decisions that are not always popular or easy, but we make those decisions for the right reasons. I hope he'll respond."

As for the man at the center of the decision, he said he was surprised to learn he'd have to watch the Caps game from the press box.
"I wasn't expecting that, but it is what it is," Lehkonen said of finding out he was scratched. "I didn't really have any questions. I was just like, 'OK.' I just have to move along. I can't affect what's happened in the past. I just have to focus on what's happening right now and in the future.
Lehkonen acknowledges he can bring more offensively. The 24-year-old Finn has 12 goals for 25 points in 62 games this season.
The Canadiens' second-round pick (55th overall) in 2013 hasn't hit the 15-goal mark since his rookie season in 2016-17, when he finished with 18 goals in 73 contests.
"I haven't really had a lot of points. I haven't really produced much. I can be better," admitted Lehkonen. "I can produce more, I can create more offense. I just have to focus on the next game."

Julien did not announce whether Lehkonen would return to the lineup on Saturday night to face the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Kovalchuk wants to do more
Ilya Kovalchuk enjoyed a roaring start to his tenure with the Canadiens, scoring five goals and adding four assists in his first 10 games in bleu-blanc-rouge.
However, the 36-year-old Russian has been held off the scoresheet in his last six games.
Kovalchuk, the Atlanta Thrashers' first-overall pick in 2001, would certainly like to see his name appear more often on those scoresheets moving forward.
"Obviously, I have to produce more. I think I've had quality chances every game, but the puck didn't bounce my way. But it happens; it's a long season," outlined Kovalchuk, who has six goals for 12 points in 21 games with Montreal. "I just have to work even harder and try to help my team to win in other ways - block shots, or do something. I have to start producing for sure."

For his part, the head coach isn't all too concerned by his sniper's performances of late and has no doubt that Kovalchuk will be able to start producing in short order.
"I'm not worried. When a player doesn't score, it doesn't mean he's not a good player. We see him contributing defensively. I think he's still getting scoring chances," expressed Julien. "He's always in the right spot. I'm not disappointed with his play. On the contrary, he's a guy who's continued to work hard."

Recall to come from the Rocket
The Canadiens lost another warrior in battle on Thursday against the Capitals, with defenseman Xavier Ouellet the latest casualty. He left the game with an upper-body injury.
That's the second time in two games the Habs have lost a defenseman, after Victor Mete had to leave Tuesday's game in Detroit after blocking a shot with his skate.
During his media availability, Julien said the Canadiens would call up a defenseman from the Laval Rocket after their game on Friday night.
"We have five defensemen right now. After the Rocket game tonight, we're going to call up another player ahead of tomorrow's game. Those decisions will be made tonight," shared Julien. "Victor Mete and Xavier Ouellet have returned to Montreal to be evaluated by our team doctors."

The Rocket welcomes the Manitoba Moose to Place Bell tonight at 7:30 p.m.
The Canadiens, for their part, return to action on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre.