Lars Eller gets another chance to prove himself Sunday night against the New Jersey Devils. On Saturday, he replaced Max Pacioretty on the Habs' top line with David Desharnais and Erik Cole. Pacioretty missed practice due to flu-like symptoms and his status for Sunday's game is still unknown.
Eller will play Sunday night regardless of Pacioretty's health. Head coach Michel Therrien made the decision to bring Eller back into the lineup prior to knowing Pacioretty's health status. The coach would not say which player would come out of the lineup if Pacioretty is good to go against the Devils.
Tomas Kaberle is another player who might not play Sunday night. Kaberle took a puck to the face and left practice early. He will be re-evaluated on Sunday.
Some brotherly love is coming to the Bell Centre. Stephen and Brian Gionta will play their second NHL game against each other but this will be the first time they face each other at the Bell Centre. Their parents are in Montreal for Sunday's match-up but don't expect to see them take sides. They'll be cheering for both their sons. Brian Gionta was very happy to see his brother score his first goal of the year Friday night against the Capitals but hopes he won't be doing that at the Bell Centre.
Saturday's Practice Lines:
Eller - Desharnais - Cole
Bourque - Plekanec - Gionta
Prust - Galchenyuk - Gallagher
Moen - White - Armstrong
Markov - Emelin
Gorges - Diaz
Kaberle - Bouillon