MONTREAL - For once the Habs managed to protect a third period lead without sprouting any grey hairs in Saturday’s 4-1 triumph over Philadelphia, but they were far less successful protecting their health, as a handful of players were seen writhing on the ice in pain throughout the final frame.
Nonetheless, only Brendan Gallagher and P.K. Subban were missing from the Habs’ workout early Sunday.
Gallagher was jarred by a Luke Schenn bodycheck in the third period, which sent him to seek treatment in the locker room.
Habs coach Michel Therrien said after practice Sunday that Gallagher had suffered a concussion on the hit. Gallagher is reportedly feeling good but the team will follow protocol for dealing with such injuries.
The apparently-indestructible Max Pacioretty also left the game Saturday after a Flyer defenceman’s skate lacerated his chest when he was hauled down pushing towards the slot.
But Pacioretty, who recently returned after a mere eight days following an emergency appendectomy, managed to make it to the Sunday morning practice, stitches and all.
Alexei Emelin also fell to the ice awkwardly late in the game after being hit by a Flyer forward on the back of the left leg. His injury forced a stoppage in play but did not keep him from Sunday’s practice.
Subban missed practice because of flu-like symptoms, according to Habs brass.
Goaltender Carey Price, who stayed home Saturday due to the flu, is also feeling better according to a note he posted on his Twitter account Sunday morning but minor league backup Robert Mayer has remained with the club for the moment.
The Canadiens host the surging Carolina Hurricanes Monday and head to New York to play the Rangers Tuesday.
Budaj is once again expected to start Monday with Price serving as backup.
-With a file from The Canadian Press
