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Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson back in lineup against Blackhawks

Matheson returns Friday after four games out with a lower-body injury; Jacob Fowler starts in goal for Montreal.

File photo: Montreal Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson shoots the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Mike Matheson will rejoin the Montreal Canadiens’ lineup Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks after a four-game absence with a lower-body injury. NHL.com confirmed the return in its game preview.

Matheson replaces Adam Engstrom on Montreal’s defence, according to Sportsnet and Postmedia.

Jacob Fowler will start in goal for the Canadiens. He enters Friday with three wins and one loss, a 2.16 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage through four starts.

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