Galchenyuk, Desharnais out 6-to-8 weeks with knee injuries

The Montreal Canadiens were dealt a serious blow Wednesday evening.

Forwards Alex Galchenyuk - the team's leading scorer - and David Desharnais will be out six-to-eight weeks with knee injuries, the club announced.

Desharnais, who has three goals and six assists in 25 games, was hurt Tuesday - and was being called upon to replace Galchenyuk's spot on the top line.

Galchenyuk, while playing only 16:10 per game, has nine goals and 14 assists in 25 games, and was in the midst of a breakout season, finding instant chemistry with Alexander Radulov. After a career-high 56 points last season, the 22-year-old was blossoming into the star center Montreal hoped he would become when he was drafted third overall in 2012.

Montreal, tied for the league lead in points with 37, is about to be seriously tested. It's not looking good down the middle right now:

An injury to Carey Price derailed a great start for Montreal last season, and while Price is thankfully healthy, it will be interesting to see if general manager Marc Bergevin looks to the trade market to fill some holes in the short term.

As it stands, no pressure, Tomas Plekanec.