Training: Rafaël Harvey-Pinard took part with a regular jersey

The Montreal Canadiens held a training session this morning in preparation for tonight’s game at the Bell Centre against the mighty New York Rangers.

One piece of good news was quickly revealed, as forward Rafaël Harvey-Pinard was on the ice with his teammates, wearing a regular jersey.

Rafaël Harvey-Pinard takes part in the Canadien’s morning training session. Regular jersey (no non-contact). He also took part in the optional yesterday.

We can expect a return to action soon – certainly not tonight.

– Simon-Olivier Lorange (@SO_Lorange) January 6, 2024

This means that the Quebecer is getting very close to a return to action very soon.

However, we really shouldn’t expect to see him play tonight.

He could potentially make his return to action on Wednesday against the Flyers in Philadelphia.

Assuming RHP is able to return to action on Wednesday in Philadelphia, this justifies Heineman’s curious “emergency” recall. Because it couldn’t be for Dvorak, who’s done for the year https://t.co/6DRLpdeuU4

– Luc Gelinas (@LucGelinasRDS) January 6, 2024

As for the line-up against the Rangers tonight, Martin St-Louis has confirmed that 12 forwards and six defensemen will be used.

This was to be expected, given Emil Heineman’s emergency recall yesterday.

The Habs had used a formula of 11 forwards and seven defensemen to complete their trip and face the Sabres on Thursday at the Bell Centre, due to the injury to Christian Dvorak.

This means that one defenseman will be withdrawn from the lineup.

It’s Johnathan Kovacevic.

MSL confirms Kovacevic comes out to make room for Heineman tonight.

– Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) January 6, 2024

Heineman will now play his third career NHL game.

Let’s hope he gets enough ice time to stand out.

In front of the net, as announced yesterday, Samuel Montembeault will face the Rangers.

This will be a big challenge for the Quebec goaltender, given that the Rangers have the best points percentage in the NHL, and are therefore technically the best team in the NHL.

In a gust

– The Rangers are logically heavy favourites for tonight’s game at the Bell Centre.

Saturday NHL win probability:
pic.twitter.com/Cv0ZMss4yI

– Scott Cullen (@ByScottCullen) January 6, 2024

– To be followed by the Jets, who are first in the NHL right now.

The #GoJetsGo are 1st in the NHL. Kyle Connor comes back from injury next month, Connor Hellebuyck is an All-Star, and they are accruing cap space. As I said on @NHLNetwork yesterday, don’t be surprised if they try to add by the trade deadline. https://t.co/H6OTFuvD9X

– David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) January 6, 2024

– News from the former Habs.

Jiri Sekac not close to a return https://t.co/53Bgg13TeS pic.twitter.com/7wBBgTzeyG

– SwissHabs (@SwissHabs) January 6, 2024

– Montreal CF to keep an eye on.

The potential arrival of Sosa could mean or fill a departure on defense, notably of a left-handed player: Robert Thorkelsson.

L’ would need playing time for his development, but a rumor had come out in 2023 of a possible loan in Scandinavia #cfmtl https://t.co/kZOL14afOz

– sofianebenzaza (@sofianebenzaza) January 6, 2024