The Canadiens have ended their road trip with a greatly diminished roster.
Two of their centres, David Desharnais and Alex Galchenyuk, were injured. Both will be out for six to eight weeks as they recover from knee injuries.
The Canadiens will not be able to go to their farm team for a replacement in that position, since all three players who play centre for the IceCaps are also on the injured list.
That means Coach Michel Therrien must figure out who to swap into that role.
Captain Max Pacioretty believes that will not be a problem.
"We have good depth in this lineup and we like the team that we have, so like I said some guys will definitely get opportunities to get more ice time," said Pacioretty.
Brendan Gallagher said having Desharnais and Galchenyuk injured in two consecutive games was difficult.
"Everyone's just going to have to give five percent more," said Gallagher.
Meanwhile Zach Redmond and Nathan Beaulieu are returning to the roster after being hurt.
Beaulieu left a game on Nov. 22 and was taken to hospital for treatment after he was hit and badly injured his neck.
The defenceman said the experience was scary and going through rehabilitation was very hard.
"The first couple days were pretty tough. I couldn't really speak and going up a set of stairs was like running a marathon," said Beaulieu.
He is feeling much better now after two weeks on the sidelines.
Redmond hasn't played with the Canadiens since October after breaking his foot in practice.
His recovery has been going well and he played two games with the IceCaps to ensure he was up to speed.
"You've got to be patient when you're not playing," said Redmond.
It will not be until shortly before the game begins that the Canadiens decide if Greg Pateryn will play or not. He was hit with a pick in his last game and may not be well enough to play.
Phillip Danault won't be at the game because he is sick.
