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Montreal Canadiens News

Anderson (concussion protocol) is expected to play on Thursday.

Anderson missed the third period vs. the Red Wings after being hit by Brendan Smith and did not return. Despite being in concussion protocol, it looks like Anderson will be in the lineup on Thursday. Anderson has 10 goals and nine assists (19 points) in 51 games this season.

Josh Anderson
Anderson (undisclosed) left Tuesday’s game and did not return.

Anderson was forced from Tuesday’s game after being hit by Red Wings’ defenseman Brendan Smith. The Blue Jackets felt that the hit was questionable, but it went unpenalized. Monitor Anderson’s status prior to Thursday’s game vs. the Canucks. Expect Markus Hannikainen to replace him if he can't go.

Josh Anderson
Kreider will return to the Rangers’ lineup on Tuesday.

Kreider has missed the last four games with a neck strain, but returns to the lineup tonight vs. the Blues. Kreider had a good start to the year, picking up seven points (3G / 4A) in five games. Kreider will be back on a line with Mika Zibanejad at centre and Mats Zuccarello will be on the right wing. Kreider is averaging 3:07 on the power-play and is second among Rangers’ forwards with 13:52 at even strength.

Chris Kreider
Kreider (neck) practiced on Monday; expected to play on Tuesday.

Kreider missed the last four games with a neck strain, but was a full-participant in Monday’s practice and should be back in the lineup on Tuesday. Kreider had a great start to the season, picking up three goals and four assists (seven points) in five games.

Chris Kreider
Kreider (neck) will not play on Sunday; expected to practice Monday, likely return on Tuesday.

Kreider will miss his fourth consecutive game with a neck strain, but he could be back on Tuesday. It is good news that his injury is not going to keep him out much longer, but the Rangers will take on the Lightning without Kreider.

Chris Kreider
Matheson will be a healthy scratch on Saturday afternoon.

Matheson has four points (2G / 2A) and 19 shots on goal in seven games this season, but will be a healthy scratch on Saturday in Buffalo. This might just be a move to get the young defenseman some rest, especially with the Panthers back in action again tomorrow. He’ll be replaced by Steve Kampfer.

Mike Matheson
Kreider (neck) remains day-to-day; not expected to play on Wednesday.

Kreider missed Tuesday’s practice and is not expected to be in the lineup on Wednesday. If Kreider doesn’t play, expect J.T. Miller to remain in the Rangers’ top-6. Monitor Kreider’s status during the morning skate, just to be sure he is not available.

Chris Kreider
The Rangers signed Chris Kreider to a four-year contract worth $18.5 million ($4.625M AAV).

Kreider, 25, posted a career-high 46 points (21G / 25A) in 2014-15 and followed it up with a nearly identical season in 2016-16, posting 21 goals and 22 assists (43 points) in 79 games. Kreider will once again skate in the Rangers’ top-6 this season, with either Derek Stepan and Mika Zibanejad in the middle. Kreider could be in for a breakout season, which includes his first 25-goal, 50-point season.

Chris Kreider
The Canadiens signed Philip Danault to a two-year deal worth $1.82 million (912K AAV).

Danault, 23, is a former first round pick (26th overall in 2011), who was traded to the Canadiens last year. He spent the first 30 games of the year wit the Blackhawks, where he had five points (1G / 4A) and added another five points (3G / 2A) in 21 games following the trade. He should find himself on the Habs’ third line in 2016-17.

Phillip Danault