Canadiens Game 45: Roy And Slafkovsky Aim To Keep Momentum

The Montreal Canadiens (19-18-7) are in Ontario to face the struggling Ottawa Senators (15-20-4) at the Canadian Tire Centre. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET.

The Habs are coming off an exciting win over the New Jersey Devils that featured important results from a bevy of young players. Juraj Salfkovsky scored for the second time in as many games, while Cole Caufield scored his sixth game-winning goal with a few minutes left in the third period.

As per usual, Samuel Montembeault was excellent, making 11 high-danger saves at 5v5. He continues to be the team’s most valuable player, much to the dismay of fans who are hoping the Canadiens end up with yet another great draft pick this summer.

The story of the night, however, was Joshua Roy’s play.

The 20-year-old looked much more comfortable than his previous two games. He set up chances, led the team in shots with five, and also managed to score his first career goal thanks to an excellent setup by Sean Monahan.

MUST READ: GOTTA SEE IT: Canadiens Joshua Roy Scores First NHL Goal

The Canadiens will face a frustrated Senators team that has lost seven of its last 10 games.

Everything that could go wrong for Ottawa this season has, as evidenced by the firing of longtime head coach D.J. Smith.

Bringing in former Canadiens bench manager Jacques Martin has not solved any of the team’s longstanding issues, which include a complete lack of structure in the defensive zone, questionable goaltender, and inconsistent production from forwards.

Claude Giroux leads the team in scoring with 13 goals and 25 assists, followed closely by Tim Stutzle, who has scored seven goals and 31 assists.

Despite their lack of success, the Canadiens cannot take their opponents lightly. They tend to play up to their competition against good teams while struggling to beat bottom dwellers like the Senators.

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)

Ottawa Senators Injuries

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Ottawa Senators Projected Lineup

Tkachuk – Greig – Giroux

Joseph – Stutzle – Batherson

Kelly – Chartier – Tarasenko

Kubalik – Kastelic – Macewen

Defence

Chabot – Chychrun

Sanderson – Zub

Brannstrom – Hamonic

Goalie

Sogaard

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