Coach Michel Therrien told reporters Tuesday that P.K. Subban could return to the Montreal lineup as soon as Thursday’s match against the Detroit Red Wings, according to TSN’s John Lu.
Therrien, speaking after Tuesday’s practice, said that Subban has been ruled out of Tuesday’s game, but there’s hope he’s back Thursday. That would put Subban’s absence at about two weeks after he was stretchered off the ice on March 10.
Subban was released from the hospital that night and it was determined to be a non-serious neck injury that he suffered in a strange collision with a teammate.
Subban has six goals and 51 points through 68 games this season. He has already tied a career-high for assists, even though his goal total, on the back a career-low 3.4% shooting percentage, is frustratingly low.
His return helps the Canadiens continue to play some competitive hockey down the stretch, but their playoff hopes are all but officially dashed at this point. With a 33-34-6 record, they’re 11 points out of a playoff spot with just nine games remaining.