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Habs lines at practice: McCarron the odd man out, Emelin paired with Petry

There was some good news on the injury front. Tomas Plekanec has returned to practice.

Brian Flynn and Nikita Nesterov were not present.

Claude Julien started with some instructions for his team, who are preparing to play the Chicago Blackhawks tonight.

Here are the lines ahead of the game.

Max Pacioretty found himself alongside Phillip Danault and Andrew Shaw, whereas Artturi Lehkonen was slotted with Alex Galchenyuk and Alex Radulov.

Paul Byron practiced with Tomas Plekanec and Brendan Gallagher, and the fourth line had a slight change, with Michael McCarron sitting on the outside, giving way to a Dwight King, Steve Ott, and Torrey Mitchell trio.

On the defensive side of things, Alexei Emelin practiced with Jeff Petry on the second pairing.

It remains to be seen which defenceman will sit out tonight’s game, although Claude Julien should perhaps consider that Brandon Davidson needs an extended look ahead of the expansion draft. The same can be said for Benn and Beaulieu, who have all outplayed Emelin lately.

Carey Price should get the start for the Canadiens.

UPDATE: Claude Julien said that Brandon Davidson could draw in for Nathan Beaulieu, and the lines have been updated as well.

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