Montreal Canadiens extend COVID-19 pause through Saturday

The Montreal Canadiens are extending their pause on team activities as the club continues to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak.

The Canadiens announced Thursday that both the NHL team and its American Hockey League affiliate, the Laval Rocket, will not return to the ice until practice resumes on Sunday.

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Twenty-two Habs players and two coaches are in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.

Montreal suspended team activities following Saturday’s 5-2 loss to Florida.

The NHL previously postponed five Canadiens’ home games indefinitely due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions and the team is set to play its next game Jan. 12 in Boston.

Two Rocket games set for Friday and Saturday have also been postponed.