(Nashville) The Canadian could deplore a lack of size and highlight an unexpected return this Tuesday evening in Nashville.
Juraj Slafkovsky skated with the extra players in the morning, and it is not certain that he will be able to face the Predators. He did not practice with the team on Monday.
The organization did not provide any details on the nature of his injury, likely suffered Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
A decision on his presence in the lineup will be made just before the match, noted Martin St-Louis. Furthermore, it is not excluded that Rafaël Harvey-Pinard returns to competition. The Quebecer took part in team meetings and, like his teammates called to play in the evening, he did not skate. His return is “possible,” said his coach.
PHOTO NICK WASS, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Rafael Harvey-Pinard
The striker suffered a “lower body” injury on February 10 following a collision with teammate Joel Armia. His absence was then estimated at four to six weeks. If he’s in uniform in Nashville, his recovery time will have been three and a half weeks. He also took part in the club’s last full training sessions.
The only change that Martin St-Louis confirmed about his roster is the withdrawal of Johnathan Kovacevic in favor of Jayden Struble. The latter has missed the Habs’ last four games.
Struble was injured last week against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Back spasms, we learned Tuesday, cost him two games, and he was sidelined for the next two.
Jake Allen will defend the Canadian’s net.