Canadiens Game 18: Allen To Start, Lucic Arrested

The Montreal Canadiens (7-8-2) will face the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Bruins  (12-1-2) on Saturday night at TD Garden. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

The Habs are coming a rather one-sided loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The 6-5 scoreline was flattering to the Canadiens, who had their worst performance of the year from a defensive standpoint. The loss also marked the third game in a row the Habs have lost since surprising the Bruins with a 3-2 overtime victory on Remembrance Day.

Josh Anderson, who has yet to score this season despite being given a generous amount of ice time from head coach Martin St-Louis, is expected to once again play on the top line against the Bruins.

MUST READ: Canadiens Must Address Mounting Anderson Problem

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

The Bruins have only played one game since losing to the Canadiens, a dominant 5-2 win over the perpetually underperforming Buffalo Sabres. That means the Canadiens will be facing a well-rested team that happens to also be one of the best teams in the league.

Newly-minted captain Brad Marchand, who had a rollercoaster of a game the last time these two teams met, continues to produce at an impressive rate, with seven goals and nine assists in 15 games.

But it’s David Pastrnak who continues to lead the charge. He’s already scored 11 goals and 13 assists and will look to continue his strong play against the Habs. Pastrnak has 17 goals and 15 assists in just 26 career games against the Canadiens.

Don’t expect to see Milan Lucic in the Bruins lineup any time soon. Several outlets have confirmed Lucic was arrested early Saturday morning following a domestic incident.

Montreal Canadiens Injuries

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

Boston Bruins Injuries

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

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Boston Bruins Projected Lineup

Marchand – Zacha – Pastrnak

van Riemsdyk – Coyle – Frederic

Heinen – Poitras – DeBrusk

Lauko – Beecher – Steen

Defence:

Lohrei – McAvoy

Lindholm – Carlo

Forbort – Shattenkirk

Goalies:

Swayman

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