Description: Canadiens winger Brian Gionta will miss the rest of the playoffs with a torn left biceps that will require surgery, according to Canadiens.nhl.com.
Insight: Gionta actually played with the injury in Games 1 and 3. Montreal is down 3-1 to Ottawa going into Game 5 Thursday.
Description: Canadiens goalie Carey Price did not come out for overtime in Game 4 against the Senators Tuesday night due to an undisclosed injury.
Insight: Price made 30, but he allowed a game-tying goal to Cory Conacher at 19:37 in the third period, and Peter Budaj let in the game-winner at 2:32 in overtime as the Sens stole one to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
Description: Montreal left wing Max Pacioretty (upper body) and Brian Gionta (upper body) will be game-time decisions for Game 3 Sunday against Ottawa.
Insight: Montreal beat Ottawa 3-1 in Game 2 to knot the series at one game apiece despite not having Pacioretty or Gionta.
Description: Montreal left wing Max Pacioretty will miss Game 2 against the Senators Friday due to an upper-body injury.
Insight: The Canadiens will be missing two top-six forwards in Pacioretty and Brian Gionta (upper body), as well as Lars Eller. They'll need Michael Ryder, Tomas Plekanec, Rene Bourque and Alex Galchenyuk to step up after dropping Game 1 at home.
Description: Montreal center Lars Eller was taken off the ice on a stretcher after taking a big hit from Senators D Eric Gryba in Game 1 of their playoff series Thursday night.
Insight: Eller lost consciousness before hitting the ice and went down facefirst, leading to facial and dental fractures and a very bloody scene. Eller also is dealing with a concussion and was hospitalized overnight. The NHL is reviewing the play and will hold a hearing Friday.
Description: Montreal left wing Max Pacioretty notched his 14th goal of the season Tuesday against the Devils.
Insight: Pacioretty extended his scoring streak to five games with the goal. He has five goals and 12 points over 12 games in April and 38 points in 42 games this season.
Description: Canadiens rookie center Alex Galchenyuk has produced six goals and nine points in 10 games this month.
Insight: Galchenyuk, the No. 3 pick in the 2012 draft, has been as inconsistent as you would expect a 19-year-old to be, but he is red hot in the final month of the regular season. He scored his ninth goal of the season Thursday against the Lightning.
Description: Canadiens goalie Carey Price will return to the crease Thursday against Tampa Bay in an attempt to stop his recent slide.
Insight: Price has given up nine goals in 50 minutes over his last two starts and allowed three goals in a relief appearance last night. His GAA has skyrocketed to 2.54 and he has lost four straight appearances.
Description: Montreal winger Michael Ryder will miss Wednesday's game due to an upper-body injury, according to the Montreal Gazette.
Insight: Ryder didn't practice Tuesday and didn't make the trip to Pittsburgh with the team. He has 10 goals and 20 points in 22 games since coming over in a trade from Dallas.
Description: Canadiens defenseman Yannick Weber is questionable for Wednesday's game against Pittsburgh. He's missed all but two games this season.
Insight: Weber has yet to prove that he's fantasy worthy with no points in two games this season after 18 points last season in 60 games with a -7 rating.
Description: Montreal winger Brandon Prust is probable for Wednesday's game against Pittsburgh with an upper-body injury.
Insight: Prust plays an enforcer role for Montreal and has 102 penalty minutes, but he also has some offensive skill as indicated by his five goals and seven assists in 33 games.
Description: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov had a goal and an assist Thursday against the Sabres.
Insight: His blueline partner P.K. Subban duplicated that effort. The two have been fantasy's best defensive pair this season, with Markov pitching in with eight goals and 25 points in 40 games to go with Subban's 34 points (11 G, 23 A) in 34 games.
Description: Canadiens rookie center Alex Galchenyuk extended his scoring streak to five games Thursday against the Sabres with a goal on four SOG.
Insight: Galchenyuk, the No. 3 pick in the 2012 draft, has been as inconsistent as you would expect a 19-year-old to be, but he has three goals and six points in his last five games and six goals and 21 points on the year.
Description: The Canadiens have inked goalie Peter Budaj to a two-year, $2.8 million extension according to the Montreal Gazette.
Insight: Budaj has had a pretty good season for the Habs (.917 save percentage, 2.28 GAA). Unfortunately for fantasy owners, he hasn't seen the ice very often (eight games played in 2013).
Description: Montreal blueliner P.K. Subban chipped in with two assists Saturday against the Bruins.
Insight: Subban had two helpers Thursday as well. He has been the No. 1 defenseman in fantasy this season due to 10 goals, 22 assists, 92 SOG, 26 PIM and a +13 in 32 games.
Description: Canadiens goalie Carey Price made 26 saves on 27 shots in a win over Boston on Saturday.
Insight: Price outdueled Tuukka Rask to knock off the rival Bruins. He had an up-and-down March and recorded a 2.81 GAA in the month, but he is 2-1 with a 2.00 GAA in three starts in April.
Description: The decision to trade for Michael Ryder has gone very well for Montreal. The winger has nine goals and 17 points in 17 games with the Habs.
Insight: He netted a pair and had one assist Thursday against the Jets.
Description: Montreal left wing Max Pacioretty scored two goals Monday in a victory over the Hurricanes.
Insight: Pacioretty had been held scoreless in his previous five games prior to Monday's outing. He's tied with defenseman P.K. Subban for the team lead in scoring (28 points).
Description: Canadiens goalie Carey Price finished with 34 saves Saturday in a win over New York.
Insight: Price produced his third shutout of the season in the victory. Only Minnesota's Niklas Backstrom and Pittsburgh's Marc-Andre Fleury have won more games than Price (17 wins) this season.
Description: Calgary center Mike Cammalleri had a pair of goals Wednesday against Colorado. They were his first two goals since March 9.
Insight: Cammalleri is second on the Flames with 24 points, one behind Alex Tanguay, but his -11 is a tough hit for fantasy owners. His SOG should rise in the wake of the Jarome Iginla trade to Pittsburgh.
Description: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov had the game-tying goal with nine seconds remaining in the third period Wednesday against Boston.
Insight: Markov has a goal and nine assists in 13 games this month after producing just four points in 14 games last month. He and P.K. Subban have formed one of fantasy's top defensive pairs this season.
Description: Montreal right wing Michael Ryder potted two goals Wednesday in a shootout win against Boston.
Insight: He's been a beast since joining the Canadiens at the end of February (six goals, seven assists). Look for Ryder to have another strong outing Saturday against New York.
Description: Canadiens defenseman Yannick Weber practiced with the team for the first time since injuring his knee about three weeks ago.
Insight: Weber has yet to prove that he's fantasy worthy with no points in two games this season after 18 points last season in 60 games with a -7 rating.
Description: Montreal winger Brandon Prust has begun skating, but has not had any contact yet, after suffering a shoulder injury on March 9.
Insight: Prust plays an enforcer role for Montreal and has 81 penalty minutes, but he also has some offensive skill as indicated by his four goals and five assists in 25 games. No timetable has been announced for his return.
Description: Montreal defenseman Raphael Diaz (concussion) has been working out, but has yet to step back onto the ice, according to a Montreal Gazette report.
Insight: Diaz got off to a very good start with 13 points in 19 games but hasn't played in a month and has no timetable for a return. He can be dropped in all fantasy leagues.
Description: Montreal netminder Carey Price was defeated by Pittsburgh Tuesday despite making 24 saves on 25 shots.
Insight: The Penguins shut out Montreal. Price has put together his third straight elite season with with a 2.28 GAA and a .913 SV% and he has actually received some support in 2012-13 to win 16 of 26 starts, unlike 2011-12 when he won 26 in 65 starts.
Description: Canadiens forward Rene Bourque (concussion) has suffered a setback in his recovery from a concussion, according to Renaud Lavoie of RDS.
Insight: Bourque has stopped skating and doesn't have a timetable for his return. He has five goals and 10 points in 17 games but hasn't played since Feb. 21.
Description: Nashville defenseman Hal Gill is expected to be activated from injured reserve for Saturday's game against Columbus.
Insight: Gill offers the Predators a defensive presence and veteran leadership, but he offers little in the way of fantasy value. Through 15 games he's pointless with eight penalty minutes and just four shots on goal. Seek defensive help elsewhere.
Description: Michael Ryder has three goals and seven assists in 10 games since joining the Montreal Canadiens in a trade from Dallas.
Insight: Ryder scored his ninth goal of the season Thursday against the Islanders. He has played two games without issue since returning from a lower-body injury.
Description: Montreal blueliner P.K. Subban had a pair of goals on five shots Thursday against the Islanders.
Insight: Subban missed all of January due to a holdout but he has satisfied fantasy owners who waited for his return. Subban has produced five goals and 16 points over his last 14 games and nine goals, 22 points and 76 SOG on the season (24 games).
Description: Canadiens right wing Michael Ryder is expected to return to the ice on Tuesday versus Buffalo, according to a Montreal Gazette report.
Insight: Ryder has been on fire with eight points in his last five games, but is dealing with a lower body injury. He practiced Monday and should be installed into lineups. He's got 23 points (8 G, 15 A) in 27 games and a solid +5 rating.
Description: The Canadiens inked center David Desharnais to a four-year, $14 million contract extension on Friday. SOURCE: NHL.com
Insight: Desharnais has had his moments this season (eight goals, eight assists in 27 games). Unfortunately for fantasy owners, none of them have come recently. In his last five games, Desharnais has produced only one point. He's collected a disappointing -3 rating during that span.
Description: Canadiens right wing Michael Ryder will miss Saturday's game against New Jersey.
Insight: Ryder has been on fire with eight points in his last five games, but is dealing with a lower body injury. Whenever he returns to the ice he should be installed into lineups. He's got 23 points (8 G, 15 A) in 27 games and a solid +5 rating.
Description: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov skated more than 30 minutes Wednesday against Ottawa for the first time this season, as did P.K. Subban. Markov and Subban played a total of 11:37 on the power play Wednesday while Francis Boullin, Josh Gorges and Alexei Emelin combined for less than two. SOURCE: Montreal Gazette
Insight: Markov has been averaging slightly less than 25 minutes per game this season and has played at least 20 in all 27 games. He has one assist in five straight games and a point in eight of his last nine games.
Description: Montreal coach Michel Therrien was very pleased with Lars Eller's performance Wednesday against Ottawa. "Lars Eller was phenomenal," said Therrien. Eller was thrown together with Gabriel Dumont and Alex Galchenyuk and returned to his natural spot at center Wednesday. SOURCE: Montreal Gazette
Insight: Eller was a healthy scratch in several games earlier this season but he has three goals and seven assists over his last 13 games and has attempted 11 SOG over the last two. With Brandon Prust out, Montreal could keep this line together for a few more games.
Description: Montreal blue liner P.K. Subban contributed a goal and an assist Wednesday in a 4-3 win over Ottawa.
Insight: Subban fired five shots on net in an exhausting 30 minutes and 50 seconds of ice time. He's averaging almost a point per game this season (20 points in 21 appearances). That kind of ratio is almost unheard of for an NHL defenseman.
Description: Canadiens right wing Michael Ryder went off for two goals and an assist Sunday in a win over Florida.
Insight: Ryder has been on fire since coming over to Montreal in a trade last month. Over his last four games, Ryder has collected eight points on 11 shots. That's not to say Ryder wasn't producing when he was still in Dallas. In 19 games before the trade Ryder, had six goals, eight assists and a +4 rating.
Description: Montreal winger Brandon Prust will miss 10-14 days with a first-degree shoulder separation, according to Renaud Lavoie of RDS.
Insight: Prust plays an enforcer role for Montreal and has 81 penalty minutes, but he also has some offensive skill as indicated by his four goals and five assists in 25 games. After Sunday's game against the Panthers, Montreal only has three games over the next 10 days so there's a chance Prust only misses four games. Someone from the fourth line of Ryan White, Colby Armstrong and Travis Moen will have to step up and replace Prust on Alex Galchenyuk's line with Lars Eller.
Description: Canadiens right wing Brian Gionta has scored five goals over his last six games. He had a goal and an assist Saturday versus Tampa Bay.
Insight: Gionta has eight goals and six assists in 25 games. He hasn't been able to sustain his other two hot streaks this season so enjoy this while it lasts.
Description: Montreal winger Brandon Prust led the team with three points (1 G, 2 A) Thursday against the Hurricanes.
Insight: Prust has an absurd 81 PIM in 24 games but he does have four goals and five assists as well, which makes him marginally appealing in fantasy leagues.
Description: Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban had two points (1 G, 1 A) with seven SOG Tuesday against the Islanders.
Insight: With Erik Karlsson out with an injury and Shea Weber struggling, Subban might be the best defenseman in the fantasy game right now. He has five goals and eight assists with 48 SOG in 17 games. The only area he has been lacking is surprisingly PIM -- he has 12 after two straight seasons with 119 or more.
Description: Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec notched goal No. 10 Tuesday against the Islanders.
Insight: Plekanec already has 10 goals in 23 games, more than double last season's pace of 17 in 81 games. He has scored on 13.3 percent of his SOG, his highest percentage since 2007-08.
Description: Canadiens right wing Brian Gionta lit the lamp twice in a wild 7-6 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Insight: Gionta scored just three times in his first 19 games of the season but now he's racked up three goals in his last two appearances. He's only owned in 8.4 percent of ESPN leagues so Gionta is still widely available. He could be worth a shot ... what do you have to lose?
Description: The Canadiens have placed injured left wing Rene Bourque on injured reserve.
Insight: Bourque has been out with a concussion since February 21st. He hasn't made much progress since then and it doesn't look like he'll be back in the lineup anytime soon. Stash Bourque (five goals, five assists in 17 games) on your injured list for the time being.
Description: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov had an assist and four SOG Wednesday against the Maple Leafs.
Insight: Markov had at least 46 points in four straight seasons starting in 2005-06 but he has missed significant time due to injuries over the past three campaigns. He's been healthy so far and has produced five goals, seven assists and 29 SOG in 20 games. All 12 of his points have come on the power play.
Description: Montreal right wing Brendan Gallagher scored a goal on five shots and finished a plus-2 on the night Wednesday against Toronto.
Insight: The 20-year-old Gallagher has been getting more ice time lately. He has six goals, three assists, 40 SOG and a plus-9 through his first 16 NHL games.
Description: Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty lit the lamp twice Wednesday against Toronto.
Insight: Pacioretty has flourished in the second half of February. Since Feb. 16, he has six goals and 10 points in seven games. The winger had 33 goals last season so we're used to this type of production.
Description: Montreal defenseman Raphael Diaz will miss Wednesday's game with a concussion, according to TSN.ca.
Insight: Diaz got off to a great start with eight points (6 PPP) in six January games but he has been replaced by P.K. Subban on the top power-play line since Subban signed a new contract and made his season debut on Feb. 2.
Description: Montreal left wing Rene Bourque has missed missed two games in a row and is expected to miss Wednesday's game against Toronto. Originally the reason was said to be the flu, but it has since been clarified as a concussion that has him sidelined.
Insight: Bourque has 10 points (5 G, 5 A) in 17 games and looks more like the guy we remember from his days in Calgary, where he averaged 49 points per season, than the guy who struggled to a 24-point campaign. last season in Montreal.
Description: Right winger Michael Ryder was traded from Dallas to Montreal for Erik Cole on Tuesday, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN. Ryder played for Montreal from 2003-04 to 2007-08.
Insight: Ryder has produced six goals and 14 points skating on Dallas' No. 2 line with Derek Roy and Loui Eriksson. He could step right into Cole's spot with Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais, which would help him maintain some of that production. Brian Gionta, Pacioretty, and Rene Bourque are Montreal's other top wingers.
Description: Nashville defenseman Hal Gill is doubtful for Wednesday's game against Anaheim with a lower body injury.
Insight: Gill offers the Predators a defensive presence and veteran leadership, but he offers little in the way of fantasy value. Through 15 games he's pointless with eight penalty minutes and just four shots on goal. Seek defensive help elsewhere.
Description: Montreal left wing Rene Bourque missed Saturday's game against the Rangers due to the flu and is listed as questionable for Monday's game against Ottawa.
Insight: Bourque has 10 points (5 G, 5 A) in 17 games and looks more like the guy we remember from his days in Calgary, where he averaged 49 points per season, than the guy who struggled to a 24-point campaign. last season in Montreal.
Description: Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty will not be suspended for his hit on Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh Saturday night in Montreal.
Insight: Pacioretty only received a two-minute boarding penalty so we weren't expecting him to be disciplined any further. Pacioretty (four goals, nine assists in 14 games in 2013) will look to put this incident behind him when he returns to the ice Monday against Ottawa.
Description: Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty will have a phone hearing with NHL Director of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan Sunday afternoon for his hit on Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh Saturday night. SOURCE: tsn.com
Insight: Pacioretty boarded McDonagh during the second period, forcing the blueliner from the game. Pacioretty has been suspended before by the NHL -- he was given a three-game ban in December 2011 for hitting Penguins defenseman Kris Letang in the head. Rangers coach John Tortorella voiced his frustration with the hit after the game.
Description: Montreal winger Erik Cole had a goal and an assist Saturday against the New York Rangers.
Insight: Cole has only mustered three goals and three assists in 18 games after scoring 35 goals last season. That's not enough to warrant a fantasy roster spot.
Description: Montreal left wing Rene Bourque will miss Saturday's game against the Rangers due to the flu. SOURCE: Renaud Lavoie, RDS
Insight: Bourque has 10 points in 17 games, seven of which have come in 11 games in February. His absence will likely impact Montreal more than fantasy rosters.
Description: Montreal right wing Brendan Gallagher is questionable for Saturday's game against the New York Rangers with a concussion.
Insight: Gallagher (5 G, 3 A) suffered the injury last Saturday against Philadelphia and has missed three games. It's a concussion so don't expect him back for a while.
Description: As expected Montreal right wing Brendan Gallagher missed Tuesday's game against the New York Rangers due to a concussion and is doubtful for Thursday's game versus the Islanders.
Insight: Gallagher (5 G, 3 A) suffered the injury Saturday against Philadelphia and missed Monday's game with Carolina as well. It's a concussion so don't expect him back for a while.
Description: Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty scored his first goal of the season Monday and didn't wait long to notch his second goal. He helped Montreal tie Tuesday's game against the Rangers 1-1 in the second period.
Insight: Pacioretty missed several games at the end of January after having an emergency appendectomy but he returned quickly and is back playing at a high level. The winger has 11 points with 36 SOG in 12 games.
Description: Montreal netminder Carey Price is probable for Tuesday's game against the New York Rangers after getting over the flu.
Insight: Price has been outstanding this year (8-3-0, 2.06 GAA, .922 save percentage). Budaj won his last two starts while Price was sick, yielding just one goal to Philadelphia and shutting out Carolina.
Description: Montreal right wing Brendan Gallagher is expected to miss Tuesday's game against the New York Rangers due to a concussion.
Insight: Gallagher (5 G, 3 A) suffered the injury Saturday against Philadelphia ans missed Monday's game with Carolina. It's a concussion so don't expect him back for a while.
Description: Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty played through a rib injury Monday against Carolina and ended up scoring his first goal of the season.
Insight: Pacioretty dished out his ninth assist to make it an even 10 points for the season. Pacioretty will probably have plenty of friends and family in attendance when he travels to New York to take on the Rangers Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden (he grew up in nearby New Canaan, Connecticut).
Description: Montreal right wing Brendan Gallagher missed Monday's game against Carolina because of a concussion.
Insight: Gallagher (five goals, three assists) suffered the injury Saturday against Philadelphia. We don't know exactly how long the concussion will keep Gallagher sidelined for but we're guessing he won't be available for Tuesday's game against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
Description: Montreal left wing Max Pacioretty injured his ribs Saturday in a win against Philadelphia.
Insight: Pacioretty (eight assists in 10 games) had two assists before his departure. Pacioretty's status for Monday night's game against the Hurricanes is up in the air so fantasy owners should have a replacement ready just in case.
Description: Montreal left wing Rene Bourque collected a goal and an assist Saturday in a win over the Flyers.
Insight: Bourque has now produced five goals and five assists in his first 14 games. His stock is rising quickly as Bourque has been added in 32.9 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues over the last week.
Description: Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher picked up a goal and an assist Saturday in a win over Philadelphia.
Insight: That stretches Gallagher's season point total to eight. The 20-year-old should be in the running for Rookie of the Year honors at the end of the season.
Description: John Lu is reporting that Montreal netminder Carey Price will not play on Saturday due to a stomach flu. Peter Budaj will make the start.
Insight: Price has been outstanding this year (8-3-0, 2.06 GAA, .922 save percentage). He's coming off a shutout of Florida on Thursday night. Budaj is 0-1-1 this season with a 4.32 GAA and .866 save percentage. Facing the high-scoring Lightning is not the time to pick him up for a spot start.
Description: Montreal netminder Carey Price improved his season record to 8-3 by blanking the Panthers Thursday night in Miami.
Insight: Price (26 saves) had given up nine goals in his previous two outings so Thursday's performance represents a dramatic improvement from what we've been seeing from him lately. He'll try and keep the momentum going Saturday night against Philadelphia.
Description: Calgary center Mike Cammalleri scored his first three goals of the season Wednesday against Dallas.
Insight: Cammalleri added an assist, five SOG and a plus-3 to the hat trick. Cammalleri has nine points in eight games but he hasn't been a strong fantasy option since 2008-09. Owners shouldn't put much stock in what he did last night since Dallas goaltender Richard Bachman wasn't stopping much of anything.
Description: Nashville defenseman Hal Gill is questionable for Tuesday's game against San Jose with an undisclosed injury.
Insight: Gill offers the Predators a defensive presence and veteran leadership, but he offers little in the way of fantasy value. Through 12 games he's pointless with six penalty minutes and just two shots on goal.
Description: Calgary center Mike Cammalleri has been upgraded to probable for Monday's game against Minnesota with a hip flexor problem.
Insight: Cammalleri missed the Flames' last two games. He has no goals, but five assists in his first seven games. He's averaged 26 goals a season for the last seven seasons, so expect him to start scoring.
Description: Calgary center Mike Cammalleri is questionable for Monday's game against Minnesota with a hip flexor problem.
Insight: Consider Cammalleri day-to-day for now having missed the Flames' last two games. He has no goals, but five assists in his first seven games. He's averaged 26 goals a season for the last seven seasons, so expect him to start scoring.
Description: Canadiens goaltender Carey Price gave up six goals on 27 shots Friday against the Maple Leafs.
Insight: Price only let in 14 goals on 218 shots in his first 482 minutes this season. He was due for a drop in performance, but a six-goal thrashing was unexpected.
Description: Calgary center Mike Cammalleri is questionable for Saturday's game against Vancouver with a hip flexor problem, according to the Calgary Herald.
Insight: Consider Cammalleri day-to-day for now. He has no goals, but five assists in his first seven games. He's averaged 26 goals a season for the last seven seasons, so expect him to start scoring.
Description: Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban scored his first goal of the season Wednesday against Boston in a 2-1 loss.
Insight: Subban has jumped right back into action after missing the first two weeks while waiting out a contract dispute. In three games, he has produced three points (1 G, 2 A), 6 SOG, 6 PIM, 2 PPP and a +1.
Description: Canadians winger Max Pacioretty made an earlier-than-expected return to action Sunday, just eight days after having an emergency appendectomy. At the time of the surgery, he was expected to miss 3-4 weeks. Pacioretty had one assist, one SOG and a plus-2 Sunday to help Montreal beat Ottawa.
Insight: Pacioretty led Montreal with 65 points (33 G, 32 A) in 2011-12, which was more than double his production of the previous season. He was a strong fantasy contributor in other categories as well, attempting 286 shots with 56 PIM. The forward hasn't scored his first goal yet but he does have five assists in four games.
Description: Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban has two assists, five SOG, two PIM and a plus-2 in his first two games of the season.
Insight: Subban sat out the first two weeks of the season as a restricted free agent before making his debut Saturday. He's one of fantasy's top defensemen and should be added in all leagues.
Description: Another game, another win for Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens. The goaltender beat Ottawa by making 32 saves on 33 chances Sunday.
Insight: Price is 6-1 with a 1.70 GAA and .938 SV% in seven starts. Though Montreal did just enough to beat another scorching goaltender in Craig Anderson Sunday, the Canadiens have actually been giving Price plenty of support (22 goals in his previous five starts).
Description: Montreal center David Desharnais tallied two goals and four penalty minutes Saturday against the Sabres.
Insight: Those were Desharnais' first two goals of the season. Prior to Saturday, his last goal came on March 14th against Ottawa. His last two-goal game before Saturday was against the Red Wings on January 25, 2012.
Description: Canadiens left wing Rene Bourque registered a pair of goals Saturday in a win over Buffalo.
Insight: Bourque's first goal came on the power play while his second was an even strength goal. Bourque and Tomas Plekanec (who assisted Bourque on both of his goals) led the team in shots on goal with five a piece.
Description: Canadians winger Max Pacioretty might be back sooner than expected. He was projected to miss 3-4 weeks after having an emergency appendectomy but he is already skating with the team.
Insight: Pacioretty led Montreal with 65 points (33 G, 32 A) in 2011-12, which was more than double his production of the previous season. He was a strong fantasy contributor in other categories as well, attempting 286 shots with 56 PIM.
Description: Montreal defenseman Raphael Diaz had his eighth assist of the season Wednesday against Ottawa. Six have come with the man advantage.
Insight: Diaz and Andrei Markov are excelling on the power play and will likely hold onto their roles even after P.K. Subban makes his season debut. Subban and Tomas Kaberle were the top blueliners on the power play for the Canadiens last season.
Description: Montreal's lone goal Wednesday against Ottawa came from Tomas Plekanec on a first period power play.
Insight: Plekanec already has four goals on 17 shots, with three coming via the power play. He has scored on less than 10 percent of his shots in three of the last four seasons so this current rate isn't sustainable.
Description: Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will get the night off Wednesday. Backup Peter Budaj is scheduled to make his first start of the season.
Insight: Price has played the Canadians' first five games, going 4-1 with a 1.98 GAA and a .924 save percentage.
Description: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov continued his hot start with two assists Tuesday against Winnipeg.
Insight: Markov's play is one of the main factors behind a 4-1 start for Montreal. He has four goals and three assists so far. He has missed significant time the last three seasons but is a must-own while he's healthy.
Description: Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec has three goals in five games this season.
Insight: Plekanec has attempted 11 shots on goal after taking 220 last season. He has scored on less than 10 percent of his shots the last two seasons so his .273 percentage doesn't seem remotely sustainable.
Description: Montreal winger Erik Cole scored his first goal of the season Tuesday against the Jets.
Insight: Cole is getting up there in years but also coming off a career-high 35 goals in 2011-12. He is guaranteed to get top-six minutes but there's very little chance he matches last season's pace.
Description: Canadiens goaltender Carey Price allowed three goals on 21 shots Tuesday versus Winnipeg but still picked up his fourth straight win.
Insight: It wasn't his best performance, but Price got four goals of support for the fourth straight game. Price's main problem last season was a lack of offensive support, so Montreal's suddenly potent offense is good news for the netminder's fantasy value.
Description: Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will be the man once again Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets.
Insight: Price has won three straight games and only given up seven goals on 110 attempts (.936 SV%) this season. Montreal has scored four goals in all of Price's wins so fantasy owners shouldn't hesitate to start him Tuesday.
Description: Montreal defenseman Tomas Kaberle is questionable for Tuesday's game against Winnipeg due to a facial injury.
Insight: Kaberle is not off to a good start and in the past has been capable of a 50-plus point season, but at this time in his career his lineup spot is not guaranteed. Look elsewhere for defensive help.
Description: NHL Network reports that the Canadiens have reached an agreement with defenseman P.K. Subban on a new two-year, $5.75 million contract.
Insight: Subban was looking for more than two years so this is actually a semi-victory for Montreal. Subban has been keeping in shape in his hometown of Toronto so he should be ready to return to the ice fairly soon. The 23-year-old was 26th among blue-liners in scoring last season (36 points in 81 games).
Description: Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will start in the crease again Sunday. He'll take on the New Jersey Devils.
Insight: Price has been on fire in the net, stopping 81 of 85 shots to go 2-1 over his first three games. The Habs haven't needed a backup since they only had four games in the first nine days of the season. Montreal's first back-to-back is this Tuesday and Wednesday so Peter Budaj may finally get some action.
Description: Canadians winger Max Pacioretty will miss 3-4 weeks after having an emergency appendectomy on Saturday.
Insight: Pacioretty led Montreal with 65 points (33 G, 32 A) in 2011-12, which was more than double his production of the previous season. He was a strong fantasy contributor in other categories as well, attempting 286 shots with 56 PIM. Missing 3-4 weeks in this lockout-shortened season could mean sitting out 12-15 games.
Description: While negotiations between the Canadiens and defenseman P.K. Subban remain ongoing, the team hasn't upped its offer to him since May. SOURCE: Renaud Lavoie, RDS
Insight: Subban was one of the top fantasy blue liners last season with seven goals, 29 assists, 205 SOG, 119 PIM and a plus-9 differential. The restricted free agent failed to come to an agreement with Montreal on Friday. He doesn't have much leverage since the team is playing well without him.
Description: The Canadiens and defenseman P.K. Subban failed to reach a deal on Friday.
Insight: Negotiations remain ongoing between the two sides but no real progress was made at Friday's meetings. Subban (7 G, 29 A last season) is hoping for a big pay day and we're guessing Montreal will eventually give it to him.
Description: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov already has three goals in three games.
Insight: Markov has played just 20 games combined over the last two seasons but has the ability to be a top fantasy defenseman when healthy. With P.K. Subban still inactive due to a contract dispute, Markov should continue to get plenty of ice time on the top defensive pairing with either Josh Gorges or Alexei Emelin.
Description: Canadiens goaltender Carey Price was nearly perfect Thursday against the Capitals but allowed a goal with less than three minutes left in the game. Price finished with 30 saves on 31 shots in 60 minutes.
Insight: The Habs have scored eight goals over the last two games and Price has performed like a No. 1 fantasy goaltender so far, winning two and giving up just four goals on 85 shots in three games.
Description: Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will get his third straight start Thursday against the 0-2 Washington Capitals. SOURCE: Canadiens.nhl.com
Insight: Price has 51 saves on 54 shots in two starts (1-1). Fantasy owners should roll with the hot goaltender on Thursday against the struggling Caps.
Description: Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will start Tuesday's game against the Panthers. Price has been dealing with a sore groin but it isn't considered serious.
Insight: Price was tremendous in Montreal's season opener, saving 24-of-26 shots in 59 minutes but losing 2-1 to Toronto. While the netminder won't win a ton of games, he should post a solid GAA and SV% and is a nice backup goaltender to own in fantasy leagues.
Description: Montreal goaltender Carey Price is questionable for Saturday's game against Toronto with a strained groin. He missed Friday's practice, but said he'd be there, for the opener, according to Sun Media writer Chris Stevenson.
Insight: Price earned 26 wins with a 2.43 GAA and a 0.916 save percentage. Peter Budaj would get the start if Price can't play.
Description: Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec (ribs) joined his teammates for the first time since the lockout ended on Wednesday. Plekanec pulled a muscle while playing in the Czech Republic during the lockout. SOURCE: Montreal Gazette
Insight: Plekanec skated on Montreal's second-most used line last season and produced 52 points (17 G, 35 A). His point total has declined in two straight seasons following a career-high 70 in 2009-10.
Description: Canadiens forward Scott Gomez won't play in 2012-13. His contract will count against the cap before the team buys him out next summer. SOURCE: Renaud Lavoie, rds.ca
Insight: Gomez is a one-time 30-goal scorer who hasn't scored more than 19 in any of his other 11 pro seasons. He only scored seven goals and had 38 points in 80 games two seasons ago and 11 points in 38 games last season so fantasy owners won't miss him.
Description: Now that the lockout is about to end, the Canadiens are making it their top priority to re-sign defenseman P.K. Subban.
Insight: Subban, a restricted free agent, won't report to the team until a new deal is reached. He was Montreal's highest scoring defenseman last season with 36 points in 81 games.
Description: Canadians winger Max Pacioretty with play with Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss League until the end of the lockout.
Insight: The 23-year-old Pacioretty led Montreal with 65 points (33 G, 32 A) which was more than double his production of the previous season. He played primarily on a line with Erik Cole (61 pts) and David Desharnais (60 pts).
