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Here's a list of players who hit the ice:
During his pregame media availability, interim head coach Martin St-Louis confirmed that Sam Montembeault will start tonight.
St-Louis also indicated that Joel Armia might return to the lineup after missing the last four games with an upper-body injury.
Tweet from @CanadiensMTL: Martin St-Louis confirme que Sam Montembeault sera devant le filet ce soir �� Winnipeg. Tout autre changement sera d��cid�� apr��s l'��chauffement.St-Louis confirms that Sam Montembeault will start tonight in Winnipeg. Any additional lineup changes will be made after warmups. pic.twitter.com/olB8u7sIl0
Evans on the Scheifele hit: "I've completely moved on"
Jake Evans hasn't forgotten about Mark Scheifele's brutal hit during the second round of the playoffs last summer, but he isn't going to let that memory dictate his game tonight.
On June 2, 2021, Scheifele rammed into Evans as he scored an empty-net goal in the final minute of Game 1 in Winnipeg.
The Canadiens' forward was concussed and stretchered off the ice. Scheifele was handed a four-game suspension, so he missed the remainder of the series and ultimately watched his Jets suffer elimination.
This marks the first time Evans and Scheifele will go head-to-head since the awful incident, but the University of Notre Dame grad insists that he doesn't have revenge on his mind.
"You obviously remember what happened, and it sucked for me personally, but it's been a long time now and I've completely moved on. I'm happy and healthy and can play, and that's the most important thing for me," said Evans, who was sidelined for nearly one month before returning for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. "For me, it was handled last year in the playoffs. I think the best way to get back at someone is winning a series and not even letting them play, so for me it's done with. I'm just happy that I'm healthy and having a lot of fun playing hockey right now. It's nice winning, and I don't want to be a distraction and get in the way of our team's success."
Video: Jake Evans on staying true to his playing style
Evans was adamant that his playing style hasn't changed because of the hit and subsequent head injury.
The former seventh-rounder knows what works for him on the ice, and he isn't modifying his approach.
"Just getting a concussion, you're more aware of how severe those can be and how scary those can be, but as a player, you can't really change the way you play. I don't think that's much of what I did, I think it was just a dangerous hit," noted Evans. "I think if I changed the way I played, I wouldn't be that good of a hockey player. I've got to play hard and get in the corners, and sometimes you have to sacrifice your body. If I don't play that way, I don't think I'll even be in this League."
Video: ANA@MTL: Evans records 2nd goal with a slick move
Perreault on Winnipeg: "My time here was amazing"
Mathieu Perreault spent seven seasons with the Jets before joining the Canadiens last July.
Ahead of his first appearance back in his old barn, he reflected on his time in the Manitoba capital.
"My time here was amazing. I have so many great memories with my three kids being born at St. Boniface Hospital," said Perreault. "This morning, I went over and saw all the trainers and guys that I was around for seven or eight years. We became good friends, so it was just nice to see the guys."
Video: Mathieu Perreault on his return to Winnipeg
The 34-year-old forward registered 230 points (88 goals, 142 assists) in 455 regular season games for Winnipeg, and made five trips to the playoffs.
He gave a shout out to the Jets' faithful as well.
"The fans are, to me, one of the greatest fanbases in the League, and they were always super respectful," praised Perreault. "You would run into people and they're always happy to see you and it's always fun. I really appreciate the fans here."
