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Pregame: Canadiens vs Blue Jackets |
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Follow me @KarineHains for all updates about the Montreal Canadiens and women's hockey
The Blue Jackets made some waves this summer when they managed to sign highly sought-after free agent Johnny Gaudreau, but a single player doesn’t make a team and the Columbus outfit is struggling mightily this season. In 15 games, they’ve got a 5-9-1 record and are having to compose with yet another injury to sniper Patrik Laine while Jake Bean and Elvis Merzilikins are also out.
Still, historically, the Canadiens have not fared very well against the Blue Jackets and have heard the Nationwide Arena’s cannon way too often. Tonight, Samuel Montembeault will be between the pipes for the Habs and he’ll try to nab a win in this very hostile territory. The match-up will also be the first time Gaudreau and Sean Monahan play against one another, both players having spent years together in Calgary.
While Mike Matheson made the trip to Ohio with the team, it was confirmed this morning that he still hasn’t been cleared to play, so the tough decision on defense can wait a bit more. For those who think this is a delay tactic from the Habs as they perhaps try to move someone to make way for Matheson, it’s important to remember that the initial timetable for his return was 8 weeks, which would have taken him to mid-December. He’s therefore way ahead of schedule in his recovery and it’s normal that they would take their time and let him get some full practices in before throwing him into game action.
The morning skate was an optional one today in Columbus so lines will be confirmed later today.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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