Josh Anderson skated this morning

This morning, the Canadiens practiced before heading to New Jersey for tomorrow’s game. There were a few issues to watch out for during practice, especially among the forwards.

After all, it’s not game day, so we’ll have to wait for the coach’s word on whether there will be a change to the defensive corps and which goaltender will play when. Expect Montembeault to play in at least one of the back-to-back games tomorrow and Thursday in Ottawa.

But hey. Here’s what the forwards had to go through in training.

But that’s something.

2. Tanner Pearson, who skated yesterday with his teammates, was back on the ice with the group. And this time, it wasn’t just for a morning skate like on game mornings.

Is his return to action just around the corner? Will he be playing on the road in the next few days, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday? It remains to be seen… but it’s possible if there are too many injuries and he’s fit to play.

3. Sean Monahan had a day of treatments. That’s not unusual for a veteran of his calibre, but every piece of news of this kind brings its share of questions because of his injury history.

4. He’s not the only player out of practice. Jesse Ylönen, who was unable to finish yesterday’s game, also had a day of treatment this morning.

Will he be able to play tomorrow night? At least he’ll be making the trip with the club.

There are currently 13 forwards in the active lineup: Suzuki, Caufield, Gallagher, Anderson, Armia, Monahan, Evans, Harvey-Pinard, Slafkovsky, Roy, Pezzetta, Stephens and Ylönen.

Ten of them, as far as we know, are healthy. Anderson is injured and there are now doubts about Monahan and Ylönen, who played yesterday. However, I think Monahan has a good chance of playing tomorrow.

Remember that Joshua Roy is in Montreal on an emergency recall. For the moment, the Habs don’t have 13 healthy forwards (which means the Quebecer has his place) and we’ll see what happens in the next few days.

In gusto

– A great training visit.

– Hope is doing well.

– Good question.

– Enjoy your reading.

– Indeed.