MTL@BUF: Back where it began for Deslauriers

BUFFALO -- The Canadiens and Sabres will meet for a fourth and final time this season on Friday, but for Nicolas Deslauriers, it will nevertheless be a night of firsts.

The 27-year-old forward returned to the only other NHL city he's ever called home for the first time as a Hab, nearly six months after a trade sent him to Montreal in exchange for defenseman Zach Redmond.
Since then, Deslauriers has set a career high in goals while racking up a team-leading 218 hits, carving himself out a spot on the Canadiens roster to the tune of a new two-year contract.
Talk about a successful change of scenery.

"I needed to get a new start, because things weren't working here in Buffalo anymore," admitted the LaSalle, QC native, who suited up for just 42 games with the Sabres in 2016-17. "Sometimes, it's just something that happens in hockey. I already played against them once at home, just after being called up by Montreal, but I think I've gotten a lot better since then. It's going to be special tonight, and it's going to be fun."
Deslauriers started his career within the Canadiens organization in Laval, but quickly earned a permanent call-up on Nov. 15.
And the timing of that call-up was just right, with the 6-foot-1, 215-pounder getting to take part in the Habs' 3-0 win against his former team just 10 days later on home ice.
Still, things are a little bit different this time around.
"It's exciting. Just hitting the ice this morning was weird, and being in the dressing room too," continued Deslauriers, who practiced on a line with Byron Froese and Daniel Carr during the Habs' morning skate. "This is where I was for training camp, and not too long ago, either."
Which is why there are definitely no hard feelings.
"I have to give credit to the organization, I got to play my first NHL game here, as well as my 200th," concluded Deslauriers. "[Sabres general manager] Jason Botterill gave me an opportunity to go on waivers and it didn't work out, but he was able to trade me. Ever since then, my life has completely changed. I've been so lucky to have been traded to Montreal."
NOTES FROM PRACTICE
Head coach Claude Julien did not announce his starting goaltender in Buffalo, but Antti Niemi is expected to get the start against the Sabres.

Michael McCarron meanwhile will be a healthy scratch up front, while Byron Froese will draw back into the lineup for the first time since March 15 at the KeyBank Center.
Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and will be broadcast on TSN2, RDS, TSN690, and 98,5 fm in Canada.