The Canadian will look to return to victory by hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets. Pascal Vincent’s team comes to the metropolis without the services of the injured Patrik Laine and Kent Johnson, who could be out. Here are the five things to keep in mind in this match.
1. Any changes in the first line?
Many feel that Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki’s start to the season hasn’t lived up to expectations. This is particularly true for the captain, who missed four of the team’s six games. So far, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Josh Anderson have been called up to play on the right side of this unit. This morning, however, the colossus was not wearing the same colored sweater as the two accomplices.
Martin St-Louis: “If a player takes on this responsibility for one or two games, it does not automatically become his position. We have several options. When Dvorak comes back, we’ll have more. Tanner Pearson may be one, but I like the trio he forms with Monahan and Gallagher. »
Photo Martin Chevalier
2. Montembeault in front of the net
Samuel Montembeault will start for the third time this season. After a good game against the Blackhawks, he struggled a little more against the Wild. Bécancourois’ presence in front of the net means that Jake Allen, who had two masterful performances against the Capitals and Sabres, will be inactive until at least Saturday.
Photo Martin Chevalier
3. Pascal Vincent visits his home
There aren’t many head coaches in Quebec who have made it to the NHL without first going through the Canadiens’ organization. Currently André Tourigny, Jim Montgomery and Pascal Vincent are the only three. Additionally, this is Vincent’s first visit to the Bell Center at the helm of a team from the Bettman circuit. The 52-year-old Laval resident’s team comes to Montreal with a record identical to that of the Canadian (3-2-1).
Martin Chevalier / JdeM
4. Another big night is in store for Barron
Kaiden Guhle was back in training with his teammates on Thursday morning, but he is not quite ready to return to play yet. The task of supporting Mike Matheson therefore once again falls to Justin Barron. The latter saw his playing time explode in the last game (21 minutes and 22 seconds). Last season, the Nova Scotian only exceeded the 20-minute mark twice in 39 games.
Martin St-Louis: “The more you play, the more responsibility you get.” You face the best opposing attackers. We don’t want to give him too big of a bite to swallow, but so far he’s taking advantage of the opportunity we’re giving him. »
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
5. Strong with equal powers
At the risk of repeating himself, the Canadian greatly increases his chances of victory by staying out of the penalty box. In fact, this is the case even if the opponent remains disciplined. If Montreal’s special teams are inconsistent, the opposite is true for the team’s performance at even strength. The Canadian is at the top of the table at five-on-five with just four goals allowed.
Martin St-Louis: “We are solid at five against five. We are amazing in the offensive zone. It’s hard to defend all the time when you’re tired and the opposing team is constantly in turmoil. Our biggest problem is the number of fines we receive. We definitely need to improve this aspect.”
Photo Martin Chevalier
Likely Canadian lineup tonight
Caufield-Suzuki-Anderson
Harvey Pinard – Newhook – Slafkovsky
Pearson–Monahan–Gallagher
Pezzetta – Evans – Ylönen
Matheson–Barron
Harris–Kovacevic
Xhekaj–Lindstrom
Montembeault
Allen