As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for a critical Game 5, the team’s injury situation has become a central storyline, casting a cloud of uncertainty over their playoff hopes. With several key players sidelined or receiving treatment, the Canadiens find themselves navigating one of their most challenging stretches of the season.

Head coach Martin St-Louis addressed the media earlier today, providing important updates on the status of multiple players and revealing just how banged up his roster is heading into the must-win matchup against Washington.

The absence of top contributors from practice and the day-to-day evaluation of others have only amplified concerns among fans and analysts alike. Whether it’s the lingering effects of recent hits or the accumulation of wear and tear from a grueling campaign, injuries are now threatening to derail Montreal’s postseason aspirations.

Despite these setbacks, there remains a sense of resilience within the locker room, as the team prepares to rally together and fight for survival. The coming hours will be crucial, with lineup decisions hinging on medical assessments and the players’ ability to push through adversity.

Dec 21, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (35) celebrates with defenseman Alexandre Carrier (45) after defeating the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

At a press conference earlier today, Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis made a new announcement regarding injuries.

St-Louis was asked about three players in particular.

And in all three cases, the injuries are considered “day-to-day.”

First, there’s Alexandre Carrier, who left the team’s most recent game after a heavy hit from Tom Wilson.

Then, the same goes for the Canadiens’ number-one goaltender:

On the subject of these two players, Martin St-Louis added the following:

“Martin St-Louis says Alexandre Carrier is expected to travel with the team to Washington.

MSL does not yet know if Sam Montembeault will be joining the team.”
– Priyanta Emrith

Lastly, Patrik Laine is still considered injured by the Montreal Canadiens and is being re-evaluated “day-to-day.”

These are the latest updates regarding Carrier, Laine, and Montembeault.

But that’s not all.

Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson, and David Savard are banged up

In addition to the three injured players mentioned above (Laine, Carrier, and Montembeault), the Canadiens also announced today that Gallagher, Anderson, and Savard required treatment.

So that’s three more players who are clearly banged up, but are expected to be in the lineup tomorrow night-unless something unexpected happens.

“Five players did not take part in Tuesday’s session, including Josh Anderson, Brendan Gallagher, and David Savard (treatment day).

Alexandre Carrier, whose health is being evaluated daily, was also absent. The defenseman left Sunday’s game in the third period and did not return.

Samuel Montembeault is still being evaluated on a daily basis.”

– Montreal Canadiens

There you have it! That’s your full rundown of the latest injury updates.