MONTREAL, QC. — Michel Therrien will be back to the lineup chemistry set as he prepares for Game 3 on Sunday. Therrien’s new line combinations generally were a failure in Game 2 as the Rangers dominated play. But the Canadiens coach has one less arrow in the quiver as forward Brandon Prust has been suspended two games by the NHL Department of Player Safety.
Prust’s suspension followed a late hit on the Rangers Derek Stepan in Thursday night’s game. The Department of Player Safety assessed a two-game suspension for interference because the hit was late and caused injury. Prust’s discipline history was also taken into account. After the hit Stepan had x-rays which showed no fracture. He returned to the game playing 17:46. He then had additional scans on Friday morning that revealed an injury.
Therrien will likely choose between Travis Moen and Michael Bournival to take Prust’s spot in the lineup for Games 4 and 5. In Moen, Therrien would be adding experience, a solid penalty-killer and a player who would bring a physical game. Bournival has speed and, at times, has been a good forechecker. Neither player has contributed offensively in the playoffs so far.
Brandon Prust suspended 2 games
Also New York Rangers forward Daniel Carcillo has been suspended for 10 games after being tossed out of Thursday night’s game for jostling with linesman Scott Driscoll while being escorted to the penalty box. Carcillo received an automatic 10-game suspension Friday under Rule 40.3 Physical Abuse of Officials — Category II.
