Jonathan Drouin took part in a full practice Friday with the Canadiens and is expected to return to the lineup Saturday when the Habs host the Oilers.
Drouin missed the previous four games -- the first two due to a lower body injury and the following pair because of a virus. The Canadiens won the first two of those games without their second-leading scorer — totaling 16 goals — before dropping their two most recent games, one in regulation and Thursday night in overtime to the Flames.
"You lose your rhythm when you miss games," Drouin said about returning after his four game absence. "The more you miss, the more you lose. You can practice or do whatever you want in the gym, but it isn't a game. You can't work on that...It's more my legs and my speed. Getting my timing back won't be that tough, but it's more about getting the jump back that you had before."
Friday at practice, Drouin skated on a line with Alex Galchenyuk, his usual linemate, and Andrew Shaw.
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So far this season, Drouin is tied for the team lead with 12 assists and 17 points. Prior to being hurt, Drouin had two goals and four points in his last three games.
Also on the injury front, forward Artturi Lehkonen and goaltender Al Montoya skated on their own prior to the full-team practice. Montoya has been sidelined 13 games with a concussion, while Lehkonen missed 12 straight with a lower body injury.
Defenseman Shea Weber did not practice Friday, termed a "therapy day".
Coach Claude Julien confirmed that Carey Price starts for the eighth consecutive game Saturday since being activated off of injured reserve.