Texier Nhl: Canadiens miss three at practice before Game 5

Texier Nhl centers on three Canadiens who were absent from Tuesday’s practice before Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Juraj Slafkovsky and Josh Anderson were not on the ice, but Martin St. Louis said both will be available Wednesday.

Canadiens Practice Tuesday

Montreal held its session as it prepared for Game 5, and the missing names were the main checkpoint. Slafkovsky, Anderson and Mike Matheson did not skate with the Canadiens during practice.

That left the lineup watch focused on two forwards who have already produced in the postseason. Slafkovsky has three goals in four playoff games, while Anderson has two goals and a plus-2 rating in four games.

St. Louis Keeps Two Available

St. Louis cut through the uncertainty on the two forwards. He said Slafkovsky and Anderson will be available for Game 5 on Wednesday.

Slafkovsky’s regular season set a new high at 30 goals, 43 assists and 73 points in 82 games. Anderson finished the 2025-26 regular season with 14 goals and 23 points in 72 games, giving Montreal a winger who has already delivered offense in the series.

Matheson Skates With Dobson

Matheson’s day looked different from the other two. He skated with Noah Dobson before the Canadiens’ official team practice, then did not join the full session.

The defenseman has one assist in four playoff games against the Bolts. He finished the 2025-26 campaign with seven goals, 30 assists, 37 points and a plus-9 rating in 78 games, numbers that left Montreal with one more veteran piece to track as it moves toward Game 5.