Canadiens Game 6: Montembeault Vs Columbus, Guhle Healthier

The Montreal Canadiens (3-2-1) will host the Columbus Blue Jackets (3-2-1) at the Bell Centre. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

The Habs are coming off a rather one-sided loss to the incredibly talented New Jersey Devils, whereas the Blue Jackets are coming off a tightly contested 3-2 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

Despite being outplayed by the Devils, the Canadiens continue to produce very encouraging 5v5 numbers this season, but as per usual, they’re being let down by their terrible special teams.

As it stands, their penalty kill is less efficient than a solar-powered flashlight, whereas their powerplay has a harder time entering the offensive zone than a drunken giraffe on skates.

There was some good news on the injury front, as Renaud Lavoie reported Kaiden Guhle could return to play this week. Guhle is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He practiced with Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak, but will not feature in Thursday’s game.

Despite taking part in the morning skate with the rest of the team, #Habs Kaiden Guhle won't play tonight but is close to being able to return to the line-up according to Martin St-Louis.

— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) October 26, 2023

Samuel Montembeault will be given the start for the Montreal Canadiens, with Jake Allen serving as his backup.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Third-overall draft pick Adam Fantilli is off to a great start to his career, as evidenced by his two goals and two assists in six games. His goal against the Ducks was particularly nice, showing off his top-notch release and elite accuracy.

The Canadiens would be wise to keep a closer eye on the 19-year-old offensive dynamo.

FIRE THE CANNON FOR ADAM FANTILLI’S FIRST HOME GOAL!@FanaticsBook |#CBJ pic.twitter.com/MAXgqPXOPz

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 25, 2023

Boone Jenner leads the team in scoring with four goals and one assist in 5 games, whereas Ivan Provorov is the most productive defenceman with five assists in as many games.

There has been no confirmation when it comes to Columbus’ starter on Tuesday night, but expect Elvis Merzlikins to be given the net.

Montreal Canadiens Injuries

• Christian Dvorak (week-to-week)
• Carey Price (IR)
• Chris Wideman (IR)
• Kirby Dach (out for season)
• Kaiden Guhle (day-to-day)

Columbus Blue Jackets Injuries

• Patrick Laine (day-to-day)

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Columbus Blue Jackets

Gaudreau – Jenner – Roslovic

Texier – Fantilli – Bemstrom

Marchensko – Sillinger – Danforth

Dmitri Voronkov – Kuraly – Oliver

Defence:

Werenski – Severson

Provorov – Jiricek

Bean – Gudbranson

Goalies:

Merzlikins

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