Canadiens Game 14: Montembeault Starts, RHP Returns To Lineup

The Montreal Canadiens (6-5-2) are set to host the Boston Bruins (11-1-1) on Saturday night at the Bell Centre. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

The Canadiens are coming off an exciting 3-2 overtime win against the Detroit Red Wings, a game in which sniper Cole Caufield set an NHL record for the quickest player to reach seven overtime goals.

Juraj Slafkovsky played reasonably well, but as has been the case since he entered the league, head coach Martin St-Louis decided to bench him when the game was on the line.

MUST READ: Caufield Scores, Slafkovsky Benched In Win Vs. Detroit

This will be the first time the Canadiens face the Bruins this season. The team currently has three forwards tied for the lead in scoring. Cole Caufield, Sean Monahan, and Nick Suzuki have all produced 12 points in 13 games for the Habs.

Forward Josh Anderson is yet to find the back of the net, but statistically speaking, he’s due. Or rather, he’s well very overdue. The speedy forward ranks among the top 5 forwards in individual high-danger scoring chances, as well as individual expected goals.

His on-ice numbers aren’t great, but he is generating good chances, which is always a relatively good sign.

He's literally Rene Bourque at this point pic.twitter.com/Faws1OqGcE

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) November 10, 2023

Samuel Montembeault will start for the Habs, with Jake Allen serving as his backup.4

UPDATE: Head coach Maritn St-Louis announced Rafael Harvey-Pinard would return to the lineup, with forward Joel Armia being placed in the press box.

Martin St-Louis confirme que Rafaël Harvey-Pinard sera de retour dans l'alignement ce soir. Joel Armia sera laissé de côté. Samuel Montembeault sera devant le filet ce soir.⁰⁰Rafaël Harvey-Pinard will return to the lineup tonight in place of Joel Armia. Samuel Montembeault gets…

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 11, 2023

As for the Boston Bruins, despite many predicting they’d crumble following the retirement of Patrice Bergeron, they’ve managed to maintain one of the best records in the NHL.

It’s worth remembering that despite no longer having Bergeron in the lineup, the Bruins set an NHL record for wins last season, with 65, therefore their strong start isn’t all that surprising.

For a view from the other side of the rink, don’t forget to check out our sister site Boston Hockey Now.

David Pastrnak leads the charge for the Bs with 10 goals and 10 assists in 13 games. Brad Marchand is currently second in scoring, maintaining a point-per-game pace with six goals and seven assists in 13 games.

Montreal Canadiens Injuries

• David Savard (out 6-8 weeks)
• Rafael Harvey-Pinard (day-to-day)
• Carey Price (IR)
• Chris Wideman (IR)
• Kirby Dach (out indefinitely, ACL/MCL)

Boston Bruins Injuries

• Morgan Geekie (IR)
• Matt Grzelcyk (IR)

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Boston Bruins Projected Lineup

Marchand – Zacha – Pastrnak

Riemdsyk – Coyle – Frederic

Heinen – Poitras – Debrusk

Brown – Beecher – Steen

Defence:

Lindholm – McAvoy

Lohrei – Carlo

Forbort – Shattenkirk

Goalies:

Swayman

How to Watch Or Listen