We have an official statement from the Montreal Canadiens. The organization has just announced that five players are missing from practice today for treatment purposes.

It’s very rare to see five players missing at the same time for treatment, but it’s a good opportunity for the guys to get some extra rest.

It seems to have been a very effective strategy for the Canadiens over the past few weeks.

The downside is that it indicates several players are bothered by minor injuries or small discomforts, but nothing too alarming for now.

Our players certainly deserve to rest, especially a certain David Savard.

In short, this is a story to follow.

Five Canadiens players are missing today, including Patrik Laine

See the official statement from the team

Please also note that, at the same time, the Canadiens announced that head coach Martin St-Louis will answer journalists’ questions in a press briefing. (around noon)

So, we might learn more at that time, but it’s worth noting that there is nothing indicating that any of these five players are at risk of missing tomorrow’s game, especially considering that Owen Beck was sent back to the Laval Rocket this morning.

Details will follow during Martin St-Louis’ press briefing in the coming minutes.

I’m curious to see if other NHL teams will follow the example of St-Louis and the Canadiens, by reducing practice time to increase rest.