Thursday’s visitors are the New Jersey Devils, whose lineup includes – in descending order of nostalgic affection – former Habs Mike Cammalleri, P.A. Parenteau and Devante Smith-Pelly.
Cammalleri was injured and out of the lineup on New Jersey’s most recent visit, 11 months ago. Last Jan. 6, Torrey Mitchell’s second-period shorthanded goal was the difference in a 2-1 Canadiens win. Mike Condon faced only 20 shots, and the game featured a penalty shot on which Cory Schneider stopped David Desharnais.
DD will not be in the lineup this time. He and Alex Galchenyuk are nursing knee knacks for an estimated six to eight weeks
The Canadiens are clinging to first place in the Eastern Conference with 37 points.