Despite skating the last two days, the Montreal Canadiens are set to still be without forward Patrik Laine.
The Habs announced Thursday that Laine will not travel with the team to Washington as they get set for a game against the Capitals on Friday night.
Laine has been out since the Dec. 31 game against the Vegas Golden Knights as he continues to deal with flu-like symptoms. He has skated at practice the last two days, appearing to do his own work as he tries to get back into playing form.
Laine has been an offensive spark for the Canadiens this season, producing eight goals and two assists in 13 games. He's also recorded 37 shots on net, 12 blocked shots and nine hits.
He missed the start of the season while dealing with a knee sprain suffered in pre-season. He joined the team on Dec. 3 against the New York Islanders.
Picked second-overall in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets at 18, Laine's stardom, which began when he was named the most valuable player at the 2016 IIHF World Championship, has been missed.
Forward Michael Pezzetta has suited up in Laine's absence. The 26-year-old logged an average of 4:46 of ice time across the past three games, adding three shots on net and nine hits.
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