We have an update from the Montreal Canadiens. While a regular practice was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. this morning, at the last minute, Martin St-Louis decided to outright cancel the mandatory session.

Instead, it was changed to an optional practice, set for 11:00 a.m. today.

The reason behind this last-minute change is unknown, especially since the announcement came just minutes before the originally scheduled 10:30 a.m. practice.

A Last-Second Practice Cancellation Today for the Canadiens and an Interesting Decision from Martin St-Louis

Clearly, Martin St-Louis wanted to give his players a bit more rest.

“The Canadiens switched their practice to optional and moved it to 11 a.m.”

– Eric Engels, Sportsnet

“The Canadiens have decided to make this morning’s practice in Brossard optional.
It will begin at 11 a.m.”

– Stu Cowan

As expected, Lane Hutson is present for the optional practice.

This kid is a true hockey fanatic!

Captain Nick Suzuki is also present, though not on the ice:

“Nick Suzuki is watching the session from the bench, dressed casually (like in a hoodie, not a jersey).”

With today’s practice canceled, that leaves Saturday and Sunday as the two “normal” practice days ahead of game one in Washington.

The first-round NHL playoff matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals officially begins Monday.