Three Canadian players were back in training with their teammates Monday morning in Montreal, forwards Kirby Dach, Brendan Gallagher and Jake Evans.
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All struggling with lower body injuries, the three men, however, wore a sweater prohibiting contact with them. Dach has been out since February 14, while Gallagher hasn’t played since January 3. In Evans’ case, he hasn’t played a game since Jan. 14.
For head instructor Martin St-Louis, it is important for them to get back on track by the end of the season so that they keep their morale up and can build on positive elements next summer. However, this will not be the case for Paul Byron, even if he was present at the photo session held at the Bell Centre.
“He’s a pro. He wasn’t on the ice with us, but he was in the locker room. He’s a guy with a culture and helping guys, complimented St-Louis. Sometimes I ask his opinion and you can count on him for a lot. His experience cannot be bought. It’s sad for him that he didn’t play this year, but I’m very happy to have seen him in the entourage.
The fact remains that the Gallagher, Evans and Dach could give a second wind to a club that is struggling.
“When the guys come back into training, they’re excited, because it’s been several weeks since they’ve played. It will bring new energy and they will help push us in the right direction,” added forward Rafaël Harvey-Pinard.
The Drouin case
As for the players in the regular formation, they returned after a day off. Benched throughout Saturday’s game in Tampa, Jonathan Drouin was on the second line with Denis Gurianov and Josh Anderson.
“Honestly, I’m satisfied with Jonathan Drouin’s performance. His touches are excellent, he is very engaged and he drives the offense forward. He’s a good game maker,” said St-Louis.
For his part, Nick Suzuki pivoted a line completed by Harvey-Pinard and Alex Belzile. In defense, Kaiden Guhle shone again by his absence.
Having exceptionally held its Monday session at the Bell Center because of the traditional team photo to be taken in the morning, the Habs will host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. Since the beginning of the month, he has obtained only one victory in 10 games.