Canadiens Preview & Lines: Armia Top Six, Hutson Second Pairing

The Montreal Canadiens are set to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, marking the first game of the 2024-25 regular season for both teams.

The lines and defensive pairings used against the Leafs will be very similar to what the team iced at practice on Sunday

As per usual, the top line will feature Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield. It’s easy to lose track of his age, since Suzuki is always incredibly stoic, but he’s the elder statesman of that trio at just 25 years old. The Canadiens will count on their top line to drive the offence, but given that teams are aware of how much damage they can do, they will need a little more support this season.

The second line will attempt to provide that support, though they’ll do so without newcomer Patrik Laine, who is nursing a knee injury. Alex Newhook will play alongside Kirby Dach, with Joel Armia completing the line. Laine would have been an interesting addition to the top six, but there’s no doubt Armia’s penchant for winning puck battles will come in handy once it’s paired to Newhook’s speed and Dach’s skill in transition.

Defensively, Mike Matheson will play with Kaiden Guhle on the top pairing, while Lane Hutson takes part in his first game following a full training camp, and will play with veteran David Savard. Goaltender Samuel Montembeault will start Game One of the regular season, which means Cayden Primeau is expected to be the starter for Thursday’s game against the Boston Bruins. Oliver Kapanen is listed as an extra attacker and will not dress for the opening game of the season.

The two teams met in the preseason, though you’d be hard-pressed to call it an actual hockey game. It was closer to an orchestrated violence rollercoaster on ice, once a minor-league player from the Leafs’ system injured Laine. This time around, the game is expected to feature a little more 5v5 hockey, however, Arber Xhekaj will be in the lineup just in case there’s any on-ice accounting to be done.

On Topic: Canadiens Instant Recap: Referees Lose Control, Habs Lose Laine

The Toronto Maple Leafs will once again ice a very strong lineup as they attempt to change the narrative surrounding their potential for success. Playing well in the regular season gets you to the big dance, but failing to find a new gear means you will often go home early, as the Leafs have in the last decade or so.

The best bet for the team hailing from the Big Smoke is to hit the ground running, with a new attitude that focuses solely on winning hockey games rather than the myriad of distractions that come with playing for the Leafs.

Matthew Knies is expected to play on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, while William Nylander is set to anchor the second line. Former Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty will be in the lineup following a successful PTO that led to a one-year contract. Pacioretty has dealt with multiple Achilles heel injuries, and while we would never actively root for a team from Ontario, we do wish him well as he attempts to re-invent his game and extend his stay in the NHL.

The Leafs recalled goaltender Dennis Hildeby from the AHL, indicating that starter Joseph Woll may not be ready to go against the Canadiens. If he’s not available, expect Anthony Stolarz to be given the start.

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lineup

Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – Mitch Marner

Max Domi – John Tavares – William Nylander

Max Pacioretty – Pontus Holmberg – Nicholas Robertson

Steven Lorentz – David Kampf – Ryan Reaves

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Morgan Rielly – Chris Tanev

Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Jake McCabe

Simon Benoit – Conor Timmins

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Joseph Woll

How to Watch The Montreal Canadiens vs. The Toronto Maple Leafs On October 9, 2024.

Game 1 of the regular season will be aired on Sportsnet and TVA Sports. Once the game is over, an instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Montreal Hockey Now.