Forward Jonathan Drouin will not be in uniform and will be replaced by Adam Brooks when the Montreal Canadiens host the New York Islanders on Thursday night at the Bell Center.
Drouin suffered a disturbing incident on Tuesday when he was hit in the left side of the face by a shot from teammate Brett Kulak in the first period of the Habs’ possible 3-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings.
The Quebec striker had fallen on the ice and lost his helmet. He got up quickly, however, before leaving the rink at a brisk pace, while touching the left side of his face.
Drouin was then transported to a hospital for tests, but he was already back at the Bell Center by the end of the meeting.
Head coach Dominique Ducharme said on Wednesday that Drouin had not suffered a concussion. The team nevertheless prefers to play it safe.
In 11 games this season, Drouin has two goals and five assists. For his part, Brooks was shut off the scoresheet in his first two outings with the Habs.
Defensively, Alexander Romanov will be back in the lineup, after being left out against the Red Wings. Sami Niku will give way to him.
Before training, forward Paul Byron skated solo. He had hip surgery in July.
The Canadian (3-8-0) will try Thursday night to win a second game in a row for the first time this season. Jake Allen will be in net again.
For their part, the Islanders (3-2-2) have collected at least one point in each of their last five outings (3-0-2).
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