The Montreal Canadiens are facing a wave of uncertainty as they prepare for a pivotal Game 3 against the Washington Capitals. With injuries mounting and key players’ status up in the air, head coach Martin St-Louis finds himself in a precarious position, unable to confirm his lineup just hours before puck drop.

The atmosphere around the team is tense, as several players are reportedly dealing with physical issues, forcing the coaching staff to consider last-minute changes. Notably, Patrik Laine’s participation remains a major question mark after he missed the morning skate and was designated for a “treatment day.” Meanwhile, veteran Brendan Gallagher is still recovering from the physical toll of recent games, even spending time at the dentist to address injuries sustained on the ice.

As the Canadiens battle both their opponents and an ever-growing injury list, fans are left anxiously awaiting updates, knowing that tonight’s game at the Bell Centre could be shaped by who is—and isn’t—able to suit up. The stakes have never been higher, and every decision leading up to puck drop could have a significant impact on Montreal’s playoff hopes.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

At a press conference earlier today, head coach Martin St-Louis made a concerning statement. He wasn’t even able to reveal his lineup for tonight’s game because there are too many injured players.

We can all agree.

It’s unlikely that five players will be pulled from the lineup at the last minute due to injuries, but the fact remains that, according to MSL, there are several questionable cases.

The team is banged up, and several players are not at 100%.

That’s all this confirms.

Martin St-Louis announces that several players are battling injuries

No, it’s definitely not ideal.

Martin St-Louis tells us that a few players have physical issues and that more players than usual will participate in the warm-up session tonight.

“We’ll make decisions after that.”

Via Patrick Friolet, RDS

So there are several questionable cases, including Patrik Laine.

We’ll keep you updated with developments during the warm-up.

That said, don’t be surprised if some players are forced to miss the game, including possibly Patrik Laine.

Let’s remember that Laine was the only player who did not participate in this morning’s skate, and the Canadiens later announced that he was receiving a “treatment day.”

Draw your own conclusions, but Martin St-Louis mentioned that Laine remains a possible option for tonight.

Game three of the first-round series between Montreal and Washington continues tonight, starting at 7:00 PM, live from the Bell Centre.

“During his pregame press conference, head coach Martin St-Louis indicated that more players than usual will participate in tonight’s warm-up, as some of them are ‘battling issues.’

Decisions regarding the lineup may potentially be made right before puck drop.”

Official statement from the Montreal Canadiens

As for Brendan Gallagher, he revealed that he spent most of yesterday at the dentist, repairing the damage caused by crosschecks in back-to-back games.

To be continued.