Lernout: A second chance to shine

TAMPA - Brett Lernout was not satisfied with his performance with the Canadiens the last time he was called up for the big club's late-December Western Canada swing. After joining the team in Tampa on Friday, the young rearguard now has a second chance to show what he's made of.

Lernout arrived in Tampa in time for Friday afternoon's practice, having been recalled late on Thursday after Rinat Valiev was injured during the Habs' game in Sunrise.
"It feels good," said Lernout after practice. "I was just trying to keep it simple and just move the puck well, be physical and play my game."
Above all, the Winnipeg native feels like a man who's been given another shot.
"Last time I got called up, I wasn't too pleased with my performance," described Lernout, who has recorded eight points (1G, 7A) in 54 games with the Laval Rocket this season. "I don't think I played that well. I'm getting a second opportunity now to show them I can play in this League. I'm sure it'll be fine."

Head coach Claude Julien, however, believes Lernout is being a little hard on himself - and that's fine by him.
"He was most disappointed by his game in Edmonton. It was a tough game for him, but the next game he was a lot better," outlined the Habs bench boss. "It's not a situation we think we'll see all the time. Last year, when he was recalled, he played some pretty solid hockey. He's no different than the other players. We're going to give him his shot and it's up to him to make the most of it.
"But we'd rather that [for him to be hard on himself] than for players who are satisfied with less. I'm very confident in what he's doing. He's a defensive defenseman, not a defenseman who's going to dazzle everyone with dekes and his offensive game, but still a guy who's tough to play against and who makes a good first pass."

In other news, homegrown forwards Phillip Danault (stiff neck) and Charles Hudon (hand) both had encouraging updates to give, and it's possible they'll be in the lineup for Saturday afternoon's contest with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"I have to try to sleep on my left side right now because of loose crystals in my inner ear," explained Danault. "I think I woke up on my right side, so the crystals ended up on the wrong side, which led to my stiff neck and headaches."
Julien nonetheless pointed out that the team would be exercising caution in making a decision on Danault's return.
"Phillip felt better today, which is why he practiced. We're going to be careful with him," said the coach. "For sure, if he feels good and everything's fine tomorrow, we'll play him, but we'll have those answers tomorrow."
The same could be said for Hudon, who hurt his hand in the Canadiens' last game before heading out on their long road trip.
"It was fun to come back on the ice and I feel good. It's a question of time, I'm pretty sure we're headed in the right direction," affirmed Hudon. "We'll see tomorrow, but at least it's holding up."

David Schlemko (upper body) practiced on his own after his teammates. As for Valiev, he did not skate, so expect to see Lernout take his place in the lineup on Saturday.