Claude Julien's men arrived in Nevada late Thursday night, following a 5-2 loss to the Arizona Coyotes. The Habs will be trying to snap a four-game losing streak on Saturday, while also looking for a first win on their current trip.
In Thursday's game against the Coyotes, Brendan Gallagher came within three goals of his career high 24, with his 21st tally of the season. Daniel Carr meanwhile scored his fourth goal of the season after returning to the lineup from a five-game absence.
With a 4:00 p.m. start -- Vegas time -- on Saturday, the Habs did not host a morning skate at T-Mobile Arena.
Julien did however announce just prior to puck drop, that Antti Niemi will get the start in goal in Nevada.
The Habs bench boss also confirmed that Phillip Danault is not yet ready for a return to action, and that Nicolas Deslauriers will be a game time decision after being a healthy scratch in Arizona.
At the other end of the ice, the Golden Knights are currently battling the Tampa Bay Lightning for first place overall league-wide. Vegas is just one point back of Tampa, but holds a game in hand.
Quebecers Jonathan Marchessault (21G-34A) and David Perron (14G-39A) lead the Golden Knights in points, while William Karlsson is first among his Vegas teammates in goals, with 30.
In November, the Canadiens won their first ever meeting against the Golden Knights, 3-2 at the Bell Centre.
