Canadiens forward Lars Eller: ‘We have more of a hunger’ this year

MONTREAL – At Montreal Canadiens’ practice Monday, there were very few smiles.

There was the occasional outburst of joy, but for the most part the Habs appear to be a team that is clearly focused on the start of the playoffs Wednesday night.

“No butterflies yet, but they will be there,” Habs forward Daniel Briere told Global News.

Forward Lars Eller, who is expected in the lineup for game one, says the team is driven to improve on its “disappointing” playoff result last season against the Senators.

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“We have more of a hunger, more of a drive this year,” Eller said.

Injuries are a major concern, though; the Canadiens are expected to be without forward Alex Galchenyuk for the entire series.

Rugged winger Brandon Prust remains day-to-day, though he took part in Monday’s practice.

“We don’t know yet, we’ll see later on,” Habs head coach Michel Therrien told reporters.

The status of Lightning netminder Ben Bishop remains unclear; there is still no word on his “upper-body injury.”

The Lightning and the Canadiens faced off four times during the regular season; Tampa won the series 3-1.