Canadiens recall G Denis, C Maxwell

Dec 13, 2008 - 1:45 AM MONTREAL (Ticker) -- The Montreal Canadiens brought in some reinforcements Friday, recalling goaltender Marc Denis and center Ben Maxwell from Hamilton of the American Hockey League.

With starting netminder Carey Price battling the flu and captain Saku Koivu suffering from a foot injury and not expected to play against Washington on Saturday, Montreal ensured itself of having healthy bodies for the game.

Signed to a one-year contract in July over the summer after being bought out of his contract by Tampa Bay, Denis has posted a 12-6-0 record with two shutouts and a 2.60 goals-against average in 19 games with Hamilton this season.

Drafted 25th overall by Colorado in 1995, the 31-year-old native of Montreal owns a 112-179-31 record with 16 shutouts and a 3.02 GAA in 348 career games with the Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets and Lightning.

Maxwell, 20, has yet to make his NHL debut. The 6-1, 187-pounder, who was a second-round pick in 2006, has recorded eight goals and 12 assists in 26 games with the Bulldogs this season.