MONTREAL

Domi, Lehkonen, Scandella and Price absent from Canadiens training

Staff The Canadian Press

Published Tuesday, January 28, 2020 12:10PM EST

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price (31) makes the save on Washington Capitals centre Nicklas Backstrom (19) during first period NHL hockey action Monday, January 27, 2020 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

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BROSSARD, QUE -- The Canadiens were out four players at practice Tuesday morning, while Jonathan Drouin and Brendan Gallagher wore regular jerseys, a sign that they are getting closer to a comeback.

Forwards Max Domi (virus) and Artturi Lehkonen (virus), defender Marco Scandella (treatment) and goalkeeper Carey Price (off-ice training) were not training, following a 4-2 loss against the Washington Capitals.

Gallagher (headaches) was back in his usual position to the right of Tomas Tatar and Phillip Danault, while Drouin completed the third line with Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nick Cousins.

Ilya Kovalchuk played on the second line with Nick Suzuki and Joel Armia.

Drouin has been absent since Nov. 15 due to a wrist injury. Gallagher suffered a concussion on Dec. 31 against the Carolina Hurricanes. He faced the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 9 before returning to the sidelines.

The Habs face the Sabres on Thursday in Buffalo. Before Tuesday's games, the Habs ranked 12th in the Eastern Conference, 10 points from a playoff spot.