Canadiens coach Dominique Ducharme sent home due to COVID test 'irregularities'

The Montreal Canadiens were without their head coach at morning skate Friday. Dominique Ducharme was sent home after COVID testing “irregularities.” This is the same situation that happened to Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar during the second round. Bednar was eventually allowed to coach that evening after further testing came back negative.

As Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com points out, Ducharme is fully vaccinated. That doesn’t necessarily discard the possibility of a positive test result, as there have been breakthrough infections previously. The coach is currently isolating at home, waiting for further testing results.

Montreal takes on the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 Friday after tying the series on Wednesday. The Habs obviously would rather do it with their head coach behind the bench, but the game will go on with or without him. At this point, there does not seem to be any irregularities with the player testing.