Alexei Emelin has been dropped to the third defensive pairing, Hockey Inside Out reports.

Emelin has been dropped to the third defensive pairing, Hockey Inside Out reports.

Analysis:

The Canadiens elevated Nathan Beaulieu to the second pairing to skate alongside Sergei Gonchar, which means Emelin had to go somewhere. He's now skating with Tom Gilbert on the third pairing, but figures to still be a prolific hitter.