OTT@MTL: Getting ready for the big show

BROSSARD - The Habs will be playing their first game since trimming down their training camp roster from 66 to 43, and will be icing a mostly NHL-ready lineup on Saturday night when they welcome the Ottawa Senators to the Bell Centre.

For Jonathan Drouin, it's a sign the season is fast approaching, although the veteran of four NHL campaigns will be paying close attention to one of his linemates for the night who has yet to take part in a regular season game, Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
"I'm going to try to help him. I can already see he's more comfortable. I'm going to try to not talk too much French tonight," cracked Drouin, in reference to the fact he'll be skating with the young Finn and his fellow countryman, Joel Armia. "For sure, in training camp you don't want to make too many mistakes, everyone's watching you. But it looks like he's trying some things and it's working, so it's good."
Head coach Claude Julien concurs, pointing out that he's seen a steady yet rapid progression with the Habs' third overall pick since he arrived in North America several months ago.
"What I've seen from Jesperi from development camp this summer, to the rookie tournament, to now, I've seen a huge improvement in his game," praised the Habs bench boss. "He's getting used to the North American ice, the North American style. He's also getting used to playing against strong individuals. I think he's adapting really well."
Neither Julien nor Kotkaniemi wanted to make a big deal of the fact that the centerman would be facing the next pick at the 2018 Draft, Brady Tkachuk, for the first time in preseason on Saturday.
"Right now, for his sake, he needs to focus on what we expect from him and what he wants to bring to our hockey club versus the guy he's going to be playing on the other side," he added.

Another youngster who Julien will be keeping an eye on is Nikita Scherbak, who last suited up in the Habs' 5-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday - and scored a goal - and said he wanted to stand out and do more this time around.
"In the first preseason game, it's kind of hard after the long summer. I think the most important is to play the right way," described Scherbak, who played in 26 games for the Canadiens in an injury-shortened 2017-18 season. "As long as I play the right way, work hard, and have a good pace, I think I should be fine."

The coach agreed, noting that Scherbak has a lot of potential he can reach if he continues rounding out his game.
"We know his skills. He's able to score goals. But I want to see him get involved in other areas of the game," shared Julien. "When he does that, he's an excellent player."
Notes
On the injury front, Julien confirmed that Andrew Shaw took part in his first non-contact practice on Saturday, but did not have an update on his recovery progress.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. For tickets to tonight's game,
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