Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Montreal Canadiens and Martin St. Louis make an unexpected last-minute cancellation

Originally posted on Habs Fanatics | By Aaron Itovitch | Last updated Jan 18, 2025 11:31 AM ET

We told you about it Friday; it was a possibility, and now it has been confirmed by the Montreal Canadiens organization. Saturday morning's practice has just been canceled.

This represents a completely new mindset for Martin St. Louis and a new strategy he's been implementing over the past few weeks, and it seems to be yielding spectacular results.

Instead of insisting on on-ice practices at all costs, he is focusing more on giving his players rest.

After another long road trip, including a stop in Dallas, Martin St. Louis has once again decided to give his players a break.

No practice for the Montreal Canadiens ahead of Saturday night's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs

"No morning skate for the Habs before tonight's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs."

We will indeed have to monitor Saturday's news conference to learn about any lineup changes, if there are any. Personally, I expect a call-up from the Laval Rocket.

"The Canadiens won't practice today.

"Players and coaches will address the media at 4:30PM.

"It will be interesting to see if there will be a forward called up. The Rocket played in Utica yesterday, but are back in Laval today.

"Joshua Roy is hurt."

The Canadiens are in 18th place in the overall NHL standings, just one point away from a playoff spot, thanks in part to a recent streak of 8 wins, one loss and one overtime loss in their last 10 games.

As for the Maple Leafs, they are sixth in the overall standings in the NHL, with a record of six wins and four losses in their last 10 games.

This article first appeared on Habs Fanatics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: