Alexei Emelin returns to Canadiens lineup, Greg Pateryn out

He's having a career year and will look to continue his stellar play with top spot in the Eastern Conference on the line against the Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens defenceman Alexei Emelin will play tonight’s game against the New York Rangers after missing the previous five with a lower-body injury.

He will be taking the place of Greg Pateryn, who has one assist in the time Emelin has spent on IR.

In 17 games, Emelin has 2 assists so far to go along with 14 penalty minutes. A third-round pick of Montreal in 2004, the Russian is a plus-4.

Pateryn was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008, along with a second-round pick for centre Mikhail Grabovski.

Tonight’s game is a matchup between the Eastern Conference’s two best teams, with both clubs tied for the league lead in points with 34.

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