When Andrew Shaw gets the nod, he'll be ready to go

BROSSARD - The Canadiens were short a pair of players at practice on Wednesday, as Brendan Gallagher and Paul Byron were given therapy days.

While Gallagher will be in uniform on Thursday night, according to head coach Claude Julien, Byron's status is still to be determined.
He is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury after going down against the Dallas Stars.
Will Shaw get the call?
With Byron's playing status still up in the air, Andrew Shaw could return to the lineup against the Capitals.
The eight-year NHL veteran has been a healthy scratch for the last two games.
Admittedly, it's been tough for Shaw to watch from the sidelines.
"It's really hard. My game isn't at the level it should be. I missed a lot of games. With the speed of games night after night, I have to be at my best. I played in January, and then I played a few games after that, so I have to get my speed, my positioning and a few other things back," said the Belleville, ON native, who has suited up for 126 games with the Canadiens since joining the fold in 2016-17. "I'll be ready when the team needs me."
The fact that Shaw is experiencing timing issues is perfectly normal, according to Julien.
"We had a conversation and we were honest. He listened and he understood. At the end of the day, it isn't his fault or mine," noted Julien. "We have to work together to get him back playing his best hockey. He had a lot of major injuries, so he has to get back on track."

Even if Shaw has taken penalties recently, there is no hidden message behind his being scratched.
"We're not sending him a message. I see a guy who missed several months. He came back and I think he has to find his game during practices. It's all normal after missing eight months with a concussion and a knee injury. I'm just asking him to find his game again," mentioned Julien. "Andrew is a warrior. He deserves everything he has, so I'm sure that he'll work hard to be at his best. We might see him against Washington if we need a player.
"When Shaw is at his best, he brings a lot to the table. He can play on the top lines, on the power play and on the penalty kill. He can also be an energy player on the fourth line," added Julien. "He can bring a little bit of everything."
The veteran bench boss also indicated that line changes are possible for the tilt against the Capitals.
During practice, countrymen Artturi Lehkonen, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Joel Armia skated together.
"It's something I wanted to try," said Julien. "We'll see how things go, but there's a chance."
Domi earns the Molson Cup for October
Max Domi was rewarded for his stellar play during the first month of the season on Wednesday, earning Molson Cup honors for October.
The 23-year-old centerman currently leads the Canadiens with 11 points (5g - 6a) in 11 games.
As per usual, a humble Domi was quick to give credit to the group as a whole for their strong start to the year.
"It's been a good start and everyone is happy," mentioned Domi. "But, it's a new month and we have to regroup and play good hockey."

Domi's good buddy, Jonathan Drouin, isn't at all surprised by the young sniper's output.
"The day Max got here, I was really happy. I knew how he played," stressed Drouin. "I know that he's a good player and he's proving it."
Julien shared similar thoughts as well.
"We were convinced that he could fulfill his role up the middle and give us the speed we were looking for this year," said Julien. "That's what he's doing right now."
Julien went on to confirm that Carey Price would get the start in goal against the Capitals.