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Pregame: Canadiens vs. Hurricanes |
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Follow me @KarineHains for all updates about the Montreal Canadiens and women's hockey
There was a welcome sight at practice today as Sean Monahan joined his teammates for the first time since early December. Of course, he was wearing a no contact jersey, but it’s still a step in the right direction. With the trade deadline fast approaching though, the Canadiens may run out of time to showcase a healthy Monahan to interested teams.
The lines used at practice were the same as Tuesday, meaning that Rem Pitlick will once again be a healthy scratch. As for the blue line, the pairings will remain the same as we’re still awaiting further information on Arber Xhekaj’s injury and a timetable for his recovery. Samuel Montembeault will be manning the net after Jake Allen played the last two contests.
The Canadiens face a tough test tonight as they’ve only scored a single goal in their last 3 games in Raleigh. The Habs will be facing one of their former first round picks in Jesperi Kotkaniemi who’s currently centering the Canes’ second line between Andrei Svechnikov and Martin Necas.
With Max Pacioretty’s injury (who’s season is over), Carolina has got some space on the salary cap and rumour has it that they are looking for a polyvalent top-9 player. According to RDS’ Marc Denis, they’re after a center who could take over Kotkaniemi’s role as the 2nd line pivot. Pure speculation on my part here, but could a healthy Monahan interest them? It’s interesting that he’s travelling with the team when it happens to visit Carolina…
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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