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Montreal Canadiens News
Cole Caufield is day-to-day but should play Wednesday vs. Ottawa (upper-body).

Caufield left Monday's game vs. Calgary after just eight shifts and 8:05 TOI due to an upper-body injury but should return to the lineup Wednesday. The 21-year-old has been having a strong second full season, with 16 goals, 25 points, 96 SOG and a -3 plus/minus through 29 games so far this season.

Cole Caufield
Montembeault will start Wednesday in Ottawa.

Montembeault is coming off his worst start of the season where he allowed seven goals on 32 shots (.781 SV%) as he lost to Vancouver on Dec. 5th. The Canadiens' backup has otherwise been solid this season, posting a 5-2-2 record, 2.97 GAA and .908 SV%. He will face the Ottawa Senators, who have won their last two games and are sixth in the NHL in shots per game (33.9).

Sam Montembeault
Patrik Laine has been activated from the injured reserve (ankle)

Laine has missed the Blue Jackets' previous seven games due to an ankle injury but is expected to return to the lineup Friday after he was activated from the injured reserve. The 24-year-old has two goals, two assists, 29 SOG and a -4 plus/minus through eight injury-riddled games so far this season.

Patrik Laine
Arber Xhekaj will be a healthy scratch Tuesday vs. San Jose.

Xhekaj will head to the press box for the second time this season Tuesday as Montreal takes on San Jose. The rookie has had a strong start to his career, with three goals, three assists, 36 SOG and a league-leading 47 PIMs through 20 games prior to his scratching.

Arber Xhekaj
Samuel Montembeault will start Wednesday vs. Columbus

Montembeault allowed five goals on 28 shots (.821 SV%) losing his previous start vs. Columbus. The Canadiens' backup netminder has been solid with a 3-2-1 record, 2.83 GAA and .915 SV%. He takes on the Blue Jackets who beat Florida their last time out and have the 31st-best powerplay with their 14.0% conversion rate.

Sam Montembeault