The Montreal Canadiens have been in dire need of some good news, and they got some on Saturday.
Injured winger Brendan Gallagher joined his teammates at Saturday's practice, albeit in a non-contact jersey.
Out since Nov. 22 after breaking two fingers blocking a shot, Gallagher handled and shot pucks as he continues his recovery.
Gallagher said with the fracture on his top hand, he didn't feel any discomfort shooting. So that's a good sign.
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) December 26, 2015
Gallagher will be looked at by doctors over the next few days, and it's possible he joins Montreal on the remainder of its road trip, according to head coach Michel Therrien. The club is in Washington on Saturday, in Florida for two stops Monday and Tuesday, and in Foxborough, Mass. for the Winter Classic against the Boston Bruins on Friday, Jan. 1.
Earlier this month, Gallagher acknowledged that his chances to play in the New Year's Day game were slim, but he didn't rule it out.
Positives on Gallagher: He didn't have to wear any kind of brace on his hand while practising. Feels good. No soreness.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) December 26, 2015
Montreal's lost 10 of the 14 games that Gallagher's missed. While Carey Price is out, too, Gallagher's clearly a big part of the Habs, especially emotionally.
The 23-year-old was off to an excellent start to the season, with nine goals and 10 assists in 22 games.
