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After skating in no-contact jerseys yesterday, both Kirby Dach and Brendan Gallagher sported regular jersey at this morning’s skate. Dach was slatted alongside Harvey-Pinard and Suzuki on the top line while Gallagher slotted in on the third with Hoffman and Belzile. Both confirmed that they will be back in the line-up tonight. As for the 2nd line, it featured Gurianov, Drouin and Anderson and Pezzetta, Tierney and Pitlick were on the 4th unit.

Hopefully, St-Louis eases them back in, they’ve both missed significant time and an adaptation period will be required. With such lengthy absence, they’ll have some catching up to do shape wise for sure.

As a result of Gallagher and Dach’s returns, Anthony Richard has been sent back down to Laval. While this may not have come as good news for him, Jean-François Houle will surely appreciate the reinforcement as the Rocket has been fighting for a spot in the playoffs without many of its best players thanks to the Canadiens’ injuries woes. Having Richard back, just as Emil Heineman joins will surely be a big boost.

As for Jesse Ylonen, he wasn’t at practice, but he’s apparently sick with a non-covid related illness which explains his absence from practice. Meanwhile, Martin St-Louis confirmed that Chris Wideman would be playing tonight as Jordan Harris (who was back at practice in a no contact jersey), is not yet ready to go. No word yet on Kaiden Guhle’s status, but somehow I think we won’t see him for a while. Samuel Montembeault will get the start for a 4th consecutive game.

The Canadiens will enter tonight’s game in 28th place, 2 points behind the Flyers who have a game in hand and 4 points ahead of the Ducks who’ll be taking on the Calgary Flames tonight. Calgary was crushed 8-2 yesterday and is hanging on for dear life to very thin playoffs hope, this should be a must win game for Sutter’s men.

Martin St-Louis s’adresse aux médias avant le match de mardi contre le Lightning au Centre Bell.

Martin St-Louis is addressing the media ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Lightning at the Bell Centre.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/xrAzL5ErUf

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 21, 2023

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