Expect Emil Heineman to play his first NHL game tonight

In the last few days, it became clear that prospect Emil Heineman would undoubtedly play before the holidays. He wasn’t on the road with the Habs not to play, after all.

Clearly, in the club’s eyes, yes. He didn’t skate with the extras this morning (there was no practice as such), which leads us to believe that he’ll play his first NHL game tonight.

Note that Michael Pezzetta skated with the reserves, which leads us to believe that he’ll be giving up his spot to Heineman for tonight’s game.

And if that’s the case, it makes sense.

As for the composition of the trios, we don’t know whether Martin St-Louis will stir his fruit salad or simply insert Heineman on the fourth trio, i.e. in the Pezz chair. That remains to be seen.

As much as I say he shouldn’t have the pressure of a saviour in an ordinary Montreal attack, I still want to see him on the top-9, not the fourth line.

Let’s remember that Samuel Montembeault will be ex officio tonight. This was confirmed yesterday.

And with Gustav Lindstrom and Jordan Harris (injured) skating, it’s safe to assume that once again, the defensive brigade will remain intact for tonight’s game.

In gusto

– Oh, yeah?

– Coming soon.

– The Habs’ first trio doesn’t look bad.