Canadiens Game 24: Newhook Update, New Forward Lines

The Montreal Canadiens (10-11-2) will take on the Detroit Red Wings (12-7-3) on Saturday night at the Bell Centre. The puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm ET.

Montreal is coming off a frustrating loss to the Florida Panthers which featured a strong start by Martin St-Louis’ team, but the talent discrepancy between both lines was quite evident by the time the third period rolled around.

Johnathan Kovacevic was the team’s lone goal-scorer in the loss, scoring his fourth goal in just seven games. Say what you will about his recent defensive performances, but Kovacevic has been much more involved in the offensive zone this season.

Martin St-Louis made some necessary changes to his lineup due to the Alex Newhook injury. Newhook will miss 10 to 12 weeks with a high ankle sprain. It’s more unfortunate health news, however, considering how violently he crashed into the net it could have been much worse..

Sean Monahan will play on the top line alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Josh Anderson shifts up to the second line with Christian Dvorak and Brendan Gallagher. The third line will feature Tanner Pearson, Jake Evans, and Juraj Slafkovsky. And finally, the fourth line will be Tanner Pearson, Mitchell Stephens, and Jesse Ylonen.

It wasn’t all bad news on the health front, as Arber Xhekaj was present at practice and was not wearing a no-contact jersey at practice on Saturday morning

MUST READ: Stephens Call-Up Is A Good News, Bad News Situation

Jake Allen will be given the start for the Canadiens, his 10th start of the season.

As for the Red Wings, it’s clear they have decided their rebuild is over and they want to challenge for a playoff position for the first time in eight seasons. Not only did they sign players such as J.T. Compher and Alex DeBrincat, but they also came to terms with Patrick Kane on a very reasonable one-year contract that will pay him $2.75 million.

There’s been no word as to whether Kane will make his season debut against the Habs, but the newly signed winger was spotted practicing with the team on Wednesday.

Patrick Kane on the ice for the Red Wings morning skate. pic.twitter.com/GAUJFqJNHr

— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) November 29, 2023

Dylan Larkin currently leads the Detroit Red Wings in scoring with eight goals and 13 assists in 20 games. He’s tied with Alex Debrincat, who has scored more goals but has played two additional games than the Red Wings captain.

If you’d like to get the view from the other side of the rink don’t forget to check out our sister site, Detroit Hockey Now.

Montreal Canadiens Injuries

• David Savard (out 6-8 weeks)
• Carey Price (IR)
• Chris Wideman (IR)
• Kirby Dach (out indefinitely, ACL/MCL)
• Arber Xhekaj (IR)
• Rafael Harvey-Pinard (IR)
• Jordan Harris (out indefinitely)
• Alex Newhook (out 10-12 weeks)

Detroit Red Wings Injuries

• Justin Holl (day-to-day)
• Dylan Larkin (IR)

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Detroit Red Wings Projected Lineup

Debrincat – Compher – Raymond

Berggren – Copp – Fabbri

Rasmussen – Veleno – Perron

Sprong – Fischer – Kostin

Defence:

Walman – Seider

Chiarot – Petry

Maatta – Gostisbehere

Goalies:

Lyon

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