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Habs’ Galchenyuk moves step closer to returning

Ottawa Senators v Montreal Canadiens

MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 4: Alex Galchenyuk #27 of the Montreal Canadiens skates with the puck during the NHL game against the Ottawa Senators at the Bell Centre on January 4, 2014 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Senators defeated the Canadiens 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

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The Montreal Canadiens got some good news as they prepared to take on the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Final. Alex Galchenyuk (knee) was able to take part in contact drills during the team’s practice this morning, per the Canadiens’ website.

He hasn’t played since April 9 when he was hurt from being slammed into the boards by Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw.

Galchenyuk skated on Montreal’s fifth line and it’s doubtful that he’ll be ready for Game 1 on Saturday. Still, this is a big step forward and opens the door to the possibility of him returning before the end of the Canadiens-Rangers series.

The 20-year-old forward scored 13 goals and registered 18 assists in 65 games as a sophomore in 2013-14. He was also one of the team’s better power-play contributors with 10 points.

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