TICKETS: Senators @ Canadiens
Here are the players who hit the ice:
Quick hits
Jeff Petry skated with the rest of the group for the first time since he suffered a lower-body injury against the Panthers on March 24. He was wearing a no-contact jersey.
Michael Pezzetta, meanwhile, was wearing a regular practice jersey during the skate. He hasn't played since suffering an upper-body injury against the Maple Leafs on March 26.
During his pregame press conference, interim head coach Martin St-Louis confirmed that Brendan Gallagher will return to the lineup tonight after missing the last eight games with a lower-body injury. Tyler Pitlick will be a healthy scratch.
Video: Martin St-Louis' pregame press conference
Caufield, Suzuki share the stage
Shortly before the skate began, the Canadiens announced that Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki were the Molson Cup recipients for March.
Both forwards led the team with seven goals, eight power play points and 44 shots in 15 games last month.
Video: Caufield and Suzuki on their chemistry together
Needless to say, the pair has enjoyed tremendous success as linemates under St-Louis.
Caufield talked about learning from Suzuki since joining the squad last April.
"This guy just does it all. On the ice, he's everywhere, he does the right things, he plays in all situations. Everybody on our team can look up to a guy like that and respect all the stuff that he does for our team," praised Caufield. "Off the ice, right away we kind of clicked. He does that with everybody. He's a genuine person, he's always there for everybody, and that goes a long way in the room and off the ice."
The Habs' alternate captain was equally complimentary of Caufield as well.
"Everyone loves being around Cole. He keeps the whole team loose, from management, the coaching staff, and all the players. It's just been a lot of fun to be around him," said Suzuki. "On the ice, you can see how well he's playing lately. He can score from every angle, he makes all the right reads, and he's a better passer than people give him credit for. Just playing together, we're both smart and see each other a lot."
Video: DAL@MTL: Suzuki fakes shot, curls puck in to tie it
Caufield and Suzuki have clearly formed a solid friendship.
Apparently, they even spent two hours at IKEA after practice on Monday purchasing items for Caufield's new rental home.
"Nick's a builder. I hired him." joked the 2021 Hobey Baker Award winner, who ranks second in Canadiens scoring behind Suzuki with 34 points in 54 games.
Caufield on Harris: "He uses his skating to his advantage"
Caufield and fellow youngster Jordan Harris were teammates with Team USA at the 2020 World Junior Championship, so there's some familiarity there.
The University of Wisconsin product and former 15th-overall pick wasn't at all surprised to see Harris perform so well in his NHL debut over the weekend in Tampa.
"He's a solid defenseman. He makes reads, he gets up in the play, and he also knows when to stay back. He's a really smart player. I got to watch him a little bit this year in some games. He's so calm back there," explained Caufield. "He uses his skating to his advantage. He knows what he's doing. Even in his first game, he just looked like he's been out there for a while. Nothing really bothers him, and I think that's a really good thing to look forward to."
Tweet from @CanadiensMTL: 🗣��� Mesdames et messieurs... Jordan Harris!#GoHabsGo | @jharris004 pic.twitter.com/Idrbli35gw
Harris, 21, will play his first career game at the Bell Centre tonight.
