Canadiens' Patrik Laine, David Savard late scratches vs. Blackhawks

January 03, 2025 - 8:02pm

Montreal Canadiens' Patrik Laine (92) warms up on the ice prior to first period NHL hockey action against the New York Islanders in Montreal on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Christinne Muschi/CP)

The Montreal Canadiens are without two of their top players for Friday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The team announced 30 minutes before puck drop that winger Patrik Laine (flu-like symptoms) and defenceman David Savard (upper-body) will not play.

Laine has boosted the Habs' offence since returning from injury. The 2016 second-overall pick has eight goals in 13 games this season. All of his goals have come on the power play.

Savard has one goal and nine assists in 35 games this season. The 34-year-old defenceman is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Forward Michael Pezzetta and blueliner Jayden Struble will dress against the Blackhawks in place of Laine and Savard.

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