Canadiens Practice Notes: Many Miss Practice, Recalls Coming

With the Montreal Canadiens missing quite a few players missing from practice, the potential for some recalls is becoming very real.

With just five games left in the regular season, the Canadiens don’t seem to have much gas in the tank, and it’s become evident as to why.

Over five regulars skipped Monday’s practice, which could explain the significant drop in tempo over the last few games.

On top of losing Josh Anderson, Kaiden Guhle and David Savard for the season over the last few weeks, they have now added Alex Belzile to the list.

The 31-year-old out will miss the remainder of the season with a fractured leg.

Further to that, rookie sensation Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, who missed Saturday’s game due to injury, missed practice again on Monday.

It’s not yet confirmed what the issue is with Harvey-Pinard, but head coach Martin St-Louis admitted on Saturday that his energetic winger is banged up at this moment and deserves the rest.

But, Harvey-Pinard isn’t the only one that is doubtful for Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.

More Bad News

Jake Allen, who last played against the Buffalo Sabres last week, was given the day off last Tuesday and played backup last Thursday and Saturday.

It appears that he’s also got a lingering injury that is ailing him down the stretch, which explains the Canadiens recalling Cayden Primeau for a game and riding Samuel Montembeault with more regularity as of late.

Jake Evans, who also appeared banged up on Saturday, was missing from practice.

It hasn’t been an easy season for the veteran centre, as he already missed over two months with a knee injury this year, and already appears to have another issue after returning two weeks ago.

Rookie Jordan Harris was also missing from practice, but that one is less surprising.

The youngster has been battling a lower-body injury for a few weeks now and has courageously played through it, especially as the Montreal Canadiens continue to plunder the Laval Rocket.

It’s not looking good for the Canadiens from a roster perspective, meaning there could be a recall or two for tomorrow’s game.

Recalls coming?

Luckily for the Canadiens, the Laval Rocket don’t have another game until April 7th, where they play in a deciding game against the Cleveland Monsters on their push for the final playoff spot in the North Division.

That means that the Montreal Canadiens could likely pluck a player or two on an emergency basis to bring up for Tuesday, and, if needed, Thursday, before reassigning them to Laval in time for their game on Friday.

It could be a very interesting time, as the Canadiens have a few prospects in Laval that have really heated up of late and could be deserving of a one-game recall if any of the above can’t play.