Montreal Canadiens Return Home To Face Columbus Blue Jackets

Max Pacioretty left the game in Winnipeg with what has only been described as a lower body injury. He had an MRI last night but no update has been given on his status, except for the team stating he will not play tonight.

Oct 10, 2013; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Michael Beaulieu (49) looks for the puck in front of Edmonton Oilers (40) during the second period at Rexall Place. The Canadiens won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Rene Bourque was absent from the team’s skate this morning, but has not been ruled out of the game. If Bourque can not play, the Canadiens will dress seven defensemen and Beaulieu will play forward at even strength as well as playing the point on the power play.

Jarred Tinordi draws back into the lineup on the back end after sitting out the game against the Jets. Him and Beaulieu had been splitting healthy scratch duties during the road trip, but with Montreal playing seven defensemen, Beaulieu and Tinordi will both be in the lineup for the same game, for the first time with the Canadiens.

With Pacioretty out of the lineup, there are several veteran forwards who will be relied upon to step up their offensive games. Brian Gionta, Tomas Plekanec, David Desharnais and Daniel Briere have all underwhelmed, with youngsters Lars Eller, Brendan Gallagher, Alex Galchenyuk and P.K. Subban leading the charge offensively.

The game begins at 7:30 PM EST at the Bell Center.