Updates from practice - Feb. 14

BROSSARD - The Canadiens practiced at the CN Sports Complex on Wednesday morning before departing for New York.

Captain Nick Suzuki and fellow forward Josh Anderson were not on the ice with their teammates, taking a therapy day instead.

Here’s the list of 20 players who hit the ice for the skate:

With Tuesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks out of the way, forward Brendan Gallagher has now completed his five-game suspension. The 12-year veteran is relieved the suspension is behind him and is itching to get back to game action.

“I’ve played this game for a long time; I’ve never been suspended. I don’t think it’s something that’s going to recur,” explained Gallagher. “I'm really looking forward to [returning]; it was a long time off. It's been about three weeks away from the game. I'm eager to be around the guys, get back to playing. You miss it.”

Gallagher had rave reviews for the team’s young guns Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, whose offensive production has ramped up immensely the last few weeks.

"Slaf's taken his game to [another] level. All three of them [have]. Suzie's been on fire, Cole... they had their point streaks and they're really carrying our group right now offensively,” praised Gallagher of the trio, who combined for seven points against the Ducks. "They're playing fantastic hockey for us and hopefully, the rest of us continue to keep up.”

The Canadiens face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday night. Samuel Montembeault will get the start in goal.