Forward Emil Heineman will replace Oliver Kapanen in the lineup for Wednesday’s regular-season finale against the Carolina Hurricanes, head coach Martin St. Louis confirmed.
The Canadiens can clinch a playoff spot with one point. Otherwise, their fate will be in the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who would take the second wild-card berth with a regulation win on Thursday against the New York Islanders combined with a Montreal regulation loss.
Heineman will slot onto the fourth line next to Jake Evans and Joel Armia. In 61 games, the 23-year-old has 10 goals and eight assists. He has not appeared since April 5, and has just two points (one goal, one assist) since Jan. 1.
Kapanen has played the past six games, failing to reach the scoresheet. Over 18 contests on the season, the Swedish forward has two assists.
The shake-up comes as Montreal is riding a three-game losing streak, allowing the Blue Jackets back into the playoff race.
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