Canadiens' Armia not in lineup for Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

Montreal Canadiens forward Joel Armia isn't playing in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night.

Armia was a game-time decision after being cleared from the league's COVID-19 protocol, acting head coach Luke Richardson said earlier Monday.

The 28-year-old flew to Tampa in a private jet since he didn't travel there with the team Sunday. The Canadiens placed Armia into COVID-19 protocol for an unknown reason.

Jake Evans - who hasn't played since Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele injured him in the opening game of Round 2 - is taking Armia's place in the lineup.

Evans was in Armia's spot on the fourth line during Monday's morning skate.