The Montreal Canadiens moved to 10 games over .500 last night with a convincing 4-1 over the visiting Calgary Flames, but that victory came at a cost. The versatile Mathieu Dandenault went off the ice favoring his left arm after an awkward collision with Calgary Flames forward Dustin Boyd. The Canadiens later confirmed that Dandenault’s left arm is broken, and that he will be out indefinitely.
The Canadiens were less forthcoming with the injury status of Christopher Higgins. All they are disclosing right now is that Higgins suffered an upper body injury and will undergo an MRI today to determine the extent of the injury. An extended absence by Higgins would certainly be a blow to the Canadiens. He is a dangerous offensive threat every time he is on the ice, and is a particular threat while short-handed, where his anticipation and speed keep the opposition’s point men honest.
Should Higgins’ injury turn out to be serious the Habs do have options, however. Both Guillaume Latendresse and Sergei Kostitsyn have been watching the last few games from the press box, and both are anxious to get back into the lineup. Look for one or both to return for the Habs next game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.