Music: {allcanada} THERRIEN: 'A CHANCE' GALCHENYUK RETURNS FOR NEXT ROUND

Friday, April 25, 2014

{allcanada} THERRIEN: 'A CHANCE' GALCHENYUK RETURNS FOR NEXT ROUND

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The extra time off between the first and second rounds of the playoffs might just give some Montreal Canadiens players time to heal.

After sweeping the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, the Habs now have over a week to rest up before their second round series against either the Boston Bruins or Detroit Red Wings.

The added time could be good news for forward Alex Galchenyuk, who has been sidelined since April 9 with a knee injury.

Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien thinks that the 20-year-old may be ready at some point in the second round.

"There's a chance he'll play in the second round, I hope," Therrien told reporters after Friday's morning skate in Brossard, Que. "Not quite sure yet."

Galchenyuk appeared in 65 games with the Habs this season, missing further time in January and February with a broken hand. He scored 13 goals and added 18 assists with a minus-12 rating over the course of the regular season.

Despite a first round exit at the hands of the Ottawa Senators in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Galchenyuk was effective in his rookie playoff campaign, tallying a goal and two assists in five games.

As to how injuries and the prospect of facing a veteran team like Boston or Detroit might alter his lineup plans, Therrien refused to show his hand so early.

"I don't want to go there (yet)," he told reporters. "Don't forget, I like to play poker.”

CBS Sports Fantasy Baseball / RotoWire Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit 2014.