Tuesday Habs Links: Carey Price could return tonight

Montreal Canadiens Links

• Carey Price wasn't lying when he said: "I will be back soon." The star goalie participated in full practice Monday and could start against the Nashville Predators this evening. Unfortunately, the news isn't as good for P.A. Parenteau. [RDS]
• The Canadiens and the Predators both rely on star goaltenders to keep them near the top of their respective conferences. They also know how to score in the third period. Ahead of tonight's game, Dan Bradley takes a look at the Preds' clutch play in the third period. [On The Forecheck]
• It appears we finally have confirmation on one of the worst kept secrets in hockey so far this season. As per WEEI, the Boston Bruins will host the Canadiens at Gillette Stadium in the 2016 Winter Classic on New Year's Day. An official announcement is expected this weekend. [WEEI]
• Dale Weise was traded to the Habs exactly a year ago, and he couldn't be happier. Weise scored his sixth goal of the season in Saturday's victory over the New York Islanders, matching a career high in points at 16. He reflects on the trade that changed his career for the better. [La Presse]
• Some shameless self promotion: Our Robert Rice focusses on Habs prospect Martin Reway, who is out-producing San Jose Sharks youngster Tomas Hertl in the Czech league at the same age. [EOTP]

Around the League and Elsewhere

• Dustin Byfuglien has been named the NHL's First Star of the Week. The Winnipeg Jets big man recorded three goals and three assists for six points, leading the Jets to four straight victories. Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Tatar was named Second Star, while New York Islanders forward Kyle Okposo was named Third Star. [NHL]
• Chicago Blackhawks tough guy Dan Carcillo has been suspended six games for cross-checking Jets forward Mathieu Perreault. He will forfeit $40,243.92. Oh, and just in case you were wondering, this is the ninth time he has been suspended. [Second City Hockey]
• A trade for Ryan O'Reilly? Not so fast. Bob McKenzie offers a great read on the difficulty of completing such a deal. He adds that the Buffalo Sabres and Tyler Myers could be a potential fit. Although the aforementioned deal would be complex, it sure makes a lot of sense. [TSN]
• Roberto Luongo and the Vancouver Canucks are turning what was once a very awkward situation into a positive one, and that's just great. Mike Gillis could not be reached for comment. [The Score]
• Our pal Steve Dangle takes a look at the analytics quote by Edmonton Oilers head coach Todd Nelson that fired up many on Twitter. [Sportsnet]
• Geek alert! The USA Under-18 Team rocked a totally awesome "Star Wars" themed jersey for their game against Dubuque over the weekend. [Puck Daddy]
• Remember everyone's favourite Slovakian goalie, Denis Godla? He came to play in his professional début, making some pretty impressive saves. [The Hockey News]
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