Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier is confirmed to play in Game 5 against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, despite being initially listed as a game-time decision.
Carrier was previously considered day-to-day by the Canadiens after sustaining a hit from Capitals forward Tom Wilson during Game 4 on Sunday, which forced him to leave that contest.
His return is a boost for Montreal, who are dealing with other injuries, including goaltender Sam Montembeault and winger Patrik Laine, both listed as day-to-day.
Head coach Martin St. Louis confirmed Laine would not be available for Game 5, and Montembeault did not travel with the team to Washington. Other players, including forwards Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson, and defenseman David Savard, did not participate in Tuesday`s skate for what was termed `maintenance.`
Rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes is expected to start for the second straight game.
On the Capitals` side, forward Aliaksei Protas is set to return to the lineup after being deemed a game-time decision. The imposing six-foot-six, 247-pound forward is back after a foot injury sidelined him since April 4, despite having a productive season with 30 goals and 36 assists in 76 games.
Montreal currently trails Washington 3-1 in the best-of-seven first-round series.
The Canadiens faced a similar 3-1 deficit in the 2021 playoffs, the last time they made the post-season, when they successfully rallied against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round.
Six members of the current Canadiens roster were part of that 2021 comeback team, including team captain Nick Suzuki.
Suzuki commented on the situation, stating, “Stay relaxed, be excited. It`s not over until it`s over. We`re a hungry team. We want to come out and show that we can win this game and go back home.”
