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UPDATE: After Carey Price sat out his one game on Saturday afternoon for missing the All-Star Game, the Canadiens have returned Michael McNiven to Laval, and brought Karl Alzner back up.
Les Canadiens ont cédé le gardien Michael McNiven au Rocket de Laval. Le défenseur Karl Alzner a également été rappelé par les Canadiens.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 2, 2019
Canadiens have assigned goaltender Michael McNiven to the AHL's Laval Rocket. Karl Alzner was also recalled by the Club.#GoHabsGo
With Carey Price being forced to sit out a game due to skipping the All-Star game, the Montreal Canadiens have recalled goaltender Michael McNiven from the American Hockey League. It’s expected to be a one game stint on the bench as Price serves his “suspension.”
Canadiens recall Michael McNiven, loan Karl Alzner to Laval.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 1, 2019
DETAILS ➡ https://t.co/zgLZ5Uaqdc#GoHabsGo
Even in that case, it’s a well-earned trip to the NHL level for McNiven who is 5-1-2 in his last eight starts including his first professional shutout in a win over the Cleveland Monsters last month. His strong play has bolstered his numbers back to respectable levels, and is a big reason why Laval is back sniffing around a playoff spot right now.
This leaves Laval with Charlie Lindgren and Connor LaCouvee as their goaltending duo when the Rocket roll into Toronto for a two game stint against the Marlies at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
The Canadiens also loaned defenceman Karl Alzner to Laval. With the illness to Xavier Ouellet keeping him out of the weekend series, the team was down to six healthy defencemen.
The teams play at 7:00 pm Friday night, and 4:00 pm Saturday afternoon.