MONTREAL -
Scott Gomez got the green light from doctors and will return to the Canadiens line-up tonight when they host the Ottawa Senators at the Bell Centre. The timing couldn't be better for his return as the Habs need some healthy bodies up front.
The spotlight at morning skate was shared between Gomez and newcomer
Rene Bourque. Gomez has missed the last 21 games since leaving the November 23rd game in Carolina against the Hurricanes. He has yet to score a goal this season, but may benefit from a different style of fore-check instituted by Randy Cunneyworth. Gomez will be paired with
Tomas Plekanec and Mike Blunden, but Cunneyworth did say he may roll
Erik Cole into that line as well.
Bourque is excited to be in Montreal and says he has always wanted to play for the Canadiens and is ecstatic that he can do that at this point in his career. His debut will have to wait until tomorrow night when the Habs host the Rangers for a rare Sunday night game at the Bell Centre, as he sits out the final game of his suspension.
Cunneyworth will roll with 7 blue liners again tonight and
Carey Price will get the start in goal.
The Habs will need a good start in the game, as they have surrendered the first goal in 6 of the last 8 games in the opening 3:43 or less.
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Projected Lines vs. Senators Pacioretty - Desharnais - Cole
Gomez - Plekanec - Blunden
Moen - Eller - Kostitsyn
Darche - Nokelainen
Gorges - Subban
Emelin - Diaz
Gill - Campoli
Kaberle
Price