insider explains why Montreal vs. Florida game not postponed despite Habs being shorthanded

With 16 players now on the COVID protocol list and several others injured, the Montreal Canadiens are taking on the Florida Panthers New Year's Day in a shorthanded state. The Habs are playing with 11 forwards and five defenceman after Jake Evans and Alexander Romanov hit the COVID list earlier Saturday. Many are wondering why the game wasn't postponed, but TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun stated the Canadiens wanted to go forward with it.

"...what I hear is that league doctors are comfortable with the game going forward, Habs have an extended break coming up, and the Canadiens were consulted and I believe expressed preference to push forward," said LeBrun.

Montreal has little to lose at this point. The team has just seven wins on the year as it has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play since the start of the season. Another loss will only help the team's position in the draft lottery.

Cam Hillis is in the lineup for Montreal. He went straight from the ECHL to playing his first NHL game on Saturday.

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