Canadiens Game 44: Montembeault Starts, Barron Returns

The Montreal Canadiens (18-18-7) are headed to New Jersey to face the Devils (22-16-3) at the Prudential Center. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET.

Head coach Martin St-Louis will want to see the same type of elevated effort level his team offered against the Colorado Avalanche on Monday night. The Canadiens emerged with a 4-3 win thanks to an excellent individual effort from winger Joel Armia.

Despite facing constant criticism this season, Armia has been one of the better forwards on the Canadiens roster. Not just because he has scored seven goals in 27 games, or that he took his demotion to the AHL like a professional, but he also does a better job controlling the pace of play than most of his teammates.

He does not, however, make more of an impact than captain Nick Suzuki, who continues to drive the offence for the Habs. His wingers have struggled to convert the many scoring chances he produces on a nightly basis, but in recent games, both Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield have started to find their scoring touch.

Justin Barron will return to the lineup against the Devils, which means Johnathan Kovacevic will be a healthy scratch. The only other change will see goaltender Samuel Montembeault start.

MUST READ: Suzuki & Armia Star In Well-Deserved Canadiens Win Over Avs

As for the Devils, the season has not gone to plan, at least when discussing their goaltending. The Devils are among the bottom-five teams in the NHL when it comes to their 5v5 save percentage. According to multiple reports, they’re still shopping for a goaltender, but as of yet, there’s no potential trade on the table to immediately fix the issue.

They have played better over the last stretch of games, to the tune of six wins in their last 10 games.

Former Hab Tyler Toffoli continues to play the efficient brand of hockey that made him a fan favourite during his time in Montreal. He has 16 goals and 13 assists in 41 games this season.

Jack Hughes is always a dangerous play in the offensive zone, as evidenced by his 15 goals and 30 assists, but he does not currently lead the team in scoring. That title belongs to Jesper Bratt, thanks to his 16 goals and 30 assists.

To check out the view from the other side of the rink, make sure to visit our sister site New Jersey Hockey Now.

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)

New Jersey Devils Injuries

• Brendan Smith (out)
• Jack Hughes (out)
• Ondrej Palat (day-to-day)
• Jonas Siegenthaler (IR)
• Thomas Nosek (IR)
• Dougie Hamilton (IR)

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

New Jersey Devils Lineup

Toffoli – Hischier – Bratt

Meier – Mcleod – Mercer

Haula – Lazar – Bastian

Willman – Tierney – Holtz

Defence

Bahl – Nemec

Hughes – Marino

Miller – Foote

Goalie

Daws

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