Canadiens Game 22: Harris In, Xhekaj Out

The exciting Montreal Canadiens (11-9-1) host the struggling San Jose Sharks (7-13-4) on Tuesday night at the Bell Centre. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM EST.

The Canadiens are coming off a three-day break, following a Disney-like win over Chicago, which saw the former Blackhawk Kirby Dach score the game-winning shootout goal.

Dach, who only managed 9 goals and 17 assists in 70 games last year, has produced 4 goals and 13 assists in 21 games with the Canadiens.

The 21-year-old forward will look to continue his encouraging season against the Sharks. He’s currently playing alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, the Canadiens’ undisputed top line.

Suzuki is also enjoying a great season, owing to some fantastic accuracy and shot selection in the offensive zone. With 12 goals to his credit, the Canadiens captain is tied for 9th in league scoring, alongside his winger Caufield.

The biggest threat the Canadiens will face on Tuesday will come from the Sharks’ backend, as Erik Karlsson has seemingly found the fountain of youth, and is currently enjoying of the best starts to a season in his illustrious career with 11 goals and 21 assists in 24 games.

Karlsson leads the Sharks in scoring, followed closely by Timo Meier, Thomas Hertl, and Logan Couture, who have 22, 21, and 20 points, respectively.

Unfortunately for San Jose, the strong play from some of their best players has not been enough to prevent them from falling toward the bottom of the NHL standings. They sit 27th overall in the league.

Things may get even worse, now that goaltender James Reimer has been added to the injured reserve.

Despite some very solid play from Samuel Montembeault since the start of the season, Jake Allen is expected to get the start for the Habs.

As for first-overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky, he is once again expected to receive minimal usage on the fourth line.

Canadiens Injuries

• Mike Hoffman (day-to-day)
• Jonathan Drouin (upper-body injury, 4-6 weeks)
• Carey Price (LTIR)
• Paul Byron (LTIR)

Sharks Injuries

• Nico Sturm (IR)
• James Reimer (IR)
• Jonah Gadjovich (day-to-day)
• Mario Ferraro (IR)

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

San Jose Sharks Projected Lineup

Meieir – Hertl – Labanc

Nieto – Coutuer – Barabanov

Gregor – Bonino – Kunin

Lindblom – Lorentz – Svechnikov

Defence:

Megna – Karlsson

Vlasic – Benning

Cicek – Simek

Goalies:

Kahkonen

Dell

Special Teams

Game Notes:

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