(Buffalo) The Canadian was hoping to be able to bet on the imminent return of Joel Edmundson… but that will have to wait.
Dominique Ducharme confirmed in Buffalo on Friday that the defenseman will not be in uniform against the Sabers on Friday night, nor will he play in the next game, Saturday night in Pittsburgh against the Penguins.
“He still can’t train with body checks,” explained the Montreal coach. We will see if he will get the green light for this when we return to Montreal. ”
Mattias Norlinder will therefore be included in the training tonight in Buffalo. It will be a formation of 11 forwards and 7 defenders, a choice that Ducharme had already made last Saturday against the Nashville Predators, in a victory. Cédric Paquette will be left out.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, PRESS ARCHIVES
Mattias Norlinder
“Playing with 11 forwards and 7 defenders, it gives us options at the blue line, and it also gives us a different rhythm in attack,” explained the Montreal coach. In the case of Cédric, with the injury he suffered, this little break will give him the chance to regain his rhythm a little. ”
As for Norlinder, it will only be a third game this season.
“I go day by day, I just work and believe in it,” said the young Swedish defender. I’m focusing on tonight’s game. ”
Samuel Montembeault will be in net for the Canadiens tonight in Buffalo. Jake Allen will take over on Saturday night in Pittsburgh against the Penguins.