Canadiens Game 19: Struble NHL Debut, Montembeault Starts

The Montreal Canadiens (7-9-2) are in California to face the Anaheim Ducks (9-9-0) on Wednesday night. It’s a late start, with the puck drop scheduled for 10 pm ET.

The Habs will look to put an end to their four-game losing streak, which, much like the Titanic, has pushed Martin St-Louis’ team to the bottom of the Atlantic.

They’ve won only two of their last 10 games, and despite some intense line blending by St-Louis, few things are working from an offensive standpoint. Due to the endless stream of injuries, which recently claimed Jordan Harris and Rafael Harvey-Pinard, defenceman Mattias Norlinder was recalled from the Laval Rocket, but he is not expected to face Anaheim.

Jayden Struble also made the trip with the team to California and will make his NHL debut against the Ducks. The imposing defenceman has been the most reliable defenceman for the Laval Rocket this season and should be able to fill the physical gap left by Arber Xhekaj’s absence.

In a bid to kickstart the offence, Brendan Gallagher will play on the top line with Alex Newhook and Nick Suzuki. Christian Dvorak will once again centre Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky. Sean Monahan continues to anchor the third line between Josh Anderson and Tanner Pearson. Jake Evans will resume his role as the fourth-line centre, with Jesse Ylonen and Michael Pezzetta on his wings.

Defensively, Mike Matheson is paired with Justin Barron, whereas Kaiden Guhle will play with Johnathan Kovacevic. Struble will make his debut on the third pair alongside Gustav Lindstrom, who has looked surprisingly good since joining the Habs.

Gustav Lindstrom answers for the #GoHabsGo

His first goal with the Habs. Great work by Slafkovsky and Dvorak to create time and space. That pass by Dvorak was particularly nice. Over the back of the net. pic.twitter.com/3TrD4oSgVZ

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) November 15, 2023

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

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As for the Ducks, they started on the right foot this season, at least relative to expectations. But they’ve since stalled, and are currently amid a three-game losing streak.

Forward Trevor Zegras will not be in uniform, as he was recently added to the injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. Despite scoring more than 20 goals last season, Zegras has only found the back of the net once in 12 games this year.

The Ducks have received the bulk of their goal-scoring production from Frank Vatrano, who has scored an impressive 12 goals in 18 games. He shares the team scoring lead with Mason McTavish, who has eight goals and nine assists.

2023 second-overall pick Leo Carlsson found his rhythm quickly in the NHL. The 18-year-old centre is not playing every game, as the Ducks are attempting to ease him into the league with load management, and it seems to be working wonders. Carlsson already has six goals and two assists in 12 games.

John Gibson will be the starting goaltender for the Ducks.

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 (IR)
• Jordan Harris (out indefinitely)

Anaheim Ducks Injuries

• Jamie Drysdale (IR)
• Trevor Zegras (IR)
• Chase De Leo (IR)
• Isac Lundestrom (IR)

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Anaheim Ducks Projected Lineup

Killorn – Carlsson – Terry

Vatrano – McTavish – Strome

Jonesaa – Henrique – Silfverberg

Johnston – Carrick – Leason

Defence:

Fowler – Lacombe

Mintyukov – Lyubushkin

Vaakanainen – Gudas

Goalies:

Gibson

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