Game 48: Montembeault Starts, Allen returns, Big Test Vs Boston

The Montreal Canadiens (20-24-3) face the league-leading Boston Bruins (37-5-4) on Tuesday night at the Bell Centre. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM ET.

It will be yet another difficult game for Martin St-Louis’ troops, seeing as the Bruins are in the midst of a five-game winning streak, and have won nine of their last 10 games.

They also own the best goal differential in the NHL, with 177 goals for and just 96 against (+81).

David Pastrnak leads the charge for the Bruins with 39 goals and 29 assists, including seven points in his last five games, followed by Brad Marchand, who has 15 goals and 29 assists. Defensively, Hampus Lindholm leads all defencemen with 6 goals and 25 assists.

This will be the first of three meetings between the two rivals this season.

Samuel Montembeault is set to make the start for the Canadiens, with veteran Jake Allen acting as his backup. Cayden Primeau was spotted as the third goaltender at practice.

Samuel Montembeault vs @NHLBruins @CanadiensMTL @TVASports

— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) January 24, 2023

Rem Pitlick is currently the Canadiens’ hottest player, owing to the opportunity provided by the bevy of injuries. He has four points in his last five games.

With Cole Caufield on the mend, Josh Anderson has taken charge of the goal-scoring, finding the back of the net three times in five games.

Sean Monahan was spotted putting in time following Tuesday’s practice, indicating he’s approaching a return to play. Monahan was joined by Primeau, Allen, and Chris Wideman.

Montreal Canadiens Injuries

• Kaiden Guhle (Injured Reserve)
• Brendan Gallagher (Injured Reserve)
• Joel Armia (Injured Reserve)
• Jake Evans (Injured Reserve)
• Juraj Slafkovsky (Injured Reserve)
• Jonathan Drouin (Injured Reserve)
• Cole Caufield (Injured Reserve)
• Sean Monahan (LTIR)
• Carey Price (LTIR)
• Paul Byron (LTIR)

Boston Bruins Injuries

• Jake DeBRusk (Injured Reserve)
• Matt Filipe (Injured Reserve)

Montreal Canadiens Previous Lineup

Boston Bruins Projected Lineup

Marchand – Bergeron – Smith

Zacha – Krejci – Pastrnak

Hall – Coyle – Frederic

Foligno – Koppanen – Greer

Defence:

Grzelcyk – McAvoy

Lindholm – Carlo

Forbort – Clifton

Goalies:

Swayman

Ullmark

Special Teams

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