Tomas Plekanec is still unable to practice with his teammates. He is listed as day to day while he recovers from a rib injury he sustained while playing in the Czech Republic. Instead, he was skating on the second ice surface in Brossard with Petteri Nokelainen, who is out for at least two weeks with a back injury.
Michel Therrien decided to keep practicing the same lines as Sunday.
Pacioretty - Desharnais - Cole
Galchenyuk - Eller - Gionta
Moen - Prust - Bourque
Gallagher - White - Armstrong with Dumont rotating in at LW and C.
Kaberle - Gorges
Markov - Emelin
Bouillon - Diaz
Weber - Tinordi.
The Canadiens ended the day by doing a shootout drill. This is an element of the game that the team struggled with last season. Rookie Alex Galchenyuk took this opportunity to wow spectators and demonstrate his skills that made the Canadiens want to select him with their third overall pick back in June.
Veteran tough guy Brandon Prust squared off against Ryan White all in good fun. He was actually teaching White fighting tips he had picked up over the years.
Alexei Emelin practiced the past two days with a full cage. According to coach Therrien, Emelin injured himself during his time in the KHL. It is not a serious injury he is wearing it more out of precaution.
Rene Bourque was given number 27 last year when he was traded mid-season from the Flames to the Canadiens. This year he was given the "OK" from the Habs to change to number 17 which was the number he wore in Calgary. Despite having a disappointing season with the Canadiens, Bourque is ready to put the past behind him and start fresh this season. Therrien also noted in his press conference following today's practice that Bourque has been working hard at camp and sees him being an important part of this team. It will be his challenge as coach to make sure that the inconsistent Bourque has a consistent season with the Canadiens.
The Habs are back at it Tuesday at 10am in Brossard.
