It appears the Montreal Canadiens will have some help on the defensive side of things Saturday night for their must-win Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Bell Centre.

Habs' defenceman Nathan Beaulieu is cleared to return to the lineup after missing the last seven games with an upper-body injury suffered against the Ottawa Senators in the opening round of the playoffs. 

The 22-year-old has one assist over three games so far this postseason. He had one goal and eight helpers over 64 games during the regular season. Montreal beat Tampa 6-2 Thursday night to stay alive in the series.

In other news, Lightning superstar Steven Stamkos did not participate in the morning skate for Tampa. It was believed to be optional. Head coach Jon Cooper said there's a "pretty good chance" forward Brenden Morrow is back in the lineup Saturday. It also looks like rookie speedster Jonathan Drouin will get scratched.

 

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