Canadiens Game 53: Cayden Primeau Given Start Versus Ducks

The Montreal Canadiens (21-23-8) will host the Anaheim Ducks (18-31-2) on Tuesday night at the Bell Centre. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET.

Martin St-Louis’ team will be looking to build a little momentum after they dropped consecutive matinee games during Super Bowl weekend. The first game was relatively competitive, with the Dallas Stars edging out the Canadiens 3-2.

The top line of Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield was dominant, but the rest of the lineup had a very difficult time finding their rhythm.

The same can be said of the 7-2 drubbing at the hands of the St.Louis Blues on Sunday. The top line was a consistent scoring threat, whereas the remaining forwards had a hard time establishing themselves in the offensive zone.

Despite the Ducks being one of the few teams who are below the Canadiens in the standings, the home team cannot take them lightly. This may surprise you, but the Ducks have actually controlled a higher percentage of expected goals this season. Neither team does a great job controlling the play, which means we may be in for a defence-optional game.

Goaltender Cayden Primeau will be given the start, his first since January 10.

MUST READ: Canadiens Analysis: Slafkovsky Development Since Usage Change

As for the Ducks, they have the same record as the Habs in their last 10 games: 4-5-1.

But they do hold an advantage when it comes to energy levels. The last time they played was on Friday when they lost 5-3 to Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.

The game marks the return of former Habs defenceman Gustav Lindstrom, who was claimed on waivers by the Ducks a little more than a month ago.

Lindstrom produced a surprisingly healthy amount of offence when playing for the Habs, as evidenced by his three goals in 14 games, but his defensive play was a mess. He’s yet to register his name on the scoresheet in six games with the Ducks.

Anaheim will be without Trevor Zegras, robbing them of one of their few impact players. Mason McTavish’s presence is not guaranteed either, as the talented centre was forced to miss the game against the Oilers with a lower-body injury.

Montreal Canadiens Injuries

• Carey Price (IR)
• Chris Wideman (IR)
• Kirby Dach (out indefinitely, ACL/MCL)
• Rafael Harvey-Pinard (4-6 weeks)
• Christian Dvorak (out)
• Jordan Harris (out)

Anaheim Ducks Injuries

• Mason McTavish (day-to-day)
• Tristan Luneau (day-to-day)
• Alex Killorn (IR)
• Trevor Zegras (IR)

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Anaheim Ducks Projected Lineup

Henrique – Carlsson – Strome

Vatrano – Groulx – Terry

Jones – Lundestrom – Silfverberg

Johnston – Carrick – Leason

Defence

Fowler – Lyubushkin

Vaakanainen – Gudas

Lacome – Lindstrom

Goalie

Gibson

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