Canadiens Game 42: Roy Makes NHL Debut, New Lines & Pairings

The Montreal Canadiens (17-18-6) will face the Edmonton Oilers (22-15-1) at Bell Centre. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET.

The lineup will feature top forward prospect Joshua Roy, who received a promotion late on Friday night. Roy is second in Laval Rocket scoring this season with 12 goals and 18 assists in 34 games. He’s also the fourth-highest-scoring rookie in the league.

Roy, 20, possesses a well-rounded game not to mention impressive versatility. He can play on the powerplay, penalty kill, and has the skill level necessary to drive the play at 5v5.

MUST READ: Canadiens Recall Top Prospect Joshua Roy

Saturday night’s game will also feature new lines and new defensive pairings. Kaiden Guhle will play on the top pairing with Mike Matheson, whereas Jayden Struble will be paired with David Savard. Jordan Harris and Johnathan Kovacevic complete the third pairing, which means Justin Barron will be a healthy scratch.

As for the forward combinations, the top line of Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Nick Suzuki will remain intact, but the third line will have a new look. Roy will play alongside Sean Monahan, a smart decision given Monahan’s penchant for maintaining possession of the puck and creating time and space for his linemates.

When it comes to the Oilers, Connor McDavid’s team started the season on the wrong foot, but has since gotten back on track. They’re still only ranked fourth in the Pacific Division, but they’ve won nine of their last 10 games, which means the Canadiens are in for a very difficult game if they do not prepare correctly.

McDavid leads all players in scoring, as is tradition. He has 16 goals and 40 assists in 36 games this season. In addition to McDavid’s endless stream of offence, the Oilers have two more players who have already reached the 40-point mark with Leon Draisaitl (43 pts) and Zach Hyman (42 points).

Montreal Canadiens Injuries

• Carey Price (IR)
• Chris Wideman (IR)
• Kirby Dach (out indefinitely, ACL/MCL)
• Alex Newhook (out 10-12 weeks)
• Tanner Pearson (IR)
• Christian Dvorak (out)

Edmonton Oilers Injuries

• Ryan Fanti (IR)

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Edmonton Oilers  Lineup

Nugent-Hopkins – McDavid – Hyman

McLeod – Draisaitl – Foegele

Kane – Ryan – Brown

Erne – Hamblin – Janmark

Defence

Nurse – Ceci

Ekholkm – Bouchard

Kulak – Desharnais

Goalie

Skinner

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