Canadiens Preview & Lines: Injury Forces New Forward Lines

The Montreal Canadiens (2-3-1) are set to face one of the top teams in the NHL on Tuesday, as they host the New York Rangers (4-0-1) at the Bell Centre. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET.

The Habs saw their comeback fall just short on Saturday night versus the New York Islanders, losing 4-3 in a game that ended in a nine-round marathon shootout. Despite the loss there were still several positives to take away from the game. Cole Caufield continues to score at will, as evidenced by the fact that the star winger is among the league’s best goalscorers, with six goals in six games.

Caufield had a career high 28 goals last season, but given his torrid pace this year, he could become the first Hab since Stephane Richer (1989-90) to score 50 in a season. Another positive was the play of Logan Mailloux, who scored his first career NHL goal in just his second career game after being called up the previous day.

Juraj Slafkovsky will not be in uniform on Tuesday. The 21-year-old forward will be kept out of action for a week as he nurses an upper-body injury. Consequently, Michael Pezzetta will feature in his first game of the season for the Canadiens.

The Canadiens will also mix things up in an attempt to kickstart their top six. Kirby Dach will receive a promotion to the top line, while rookie Oliver Kapanen will replace him as the second-line centre. And finally, goaltender Samuel Montembeault is expected to be the team’s starter.

On Topic: Top 20 Montreal Canadiens Prospects Voted By Habs Fans

The Rangers are one of the hottest teams in the league, one of only four clubs yet to lose a game in regulation. In their most recent game, the Rangers beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1, led by a two-goal performance by Chris Kreider.

Artemi Panarin, who had career high numbers last year (49 goals, 71 assists), also scored in the contest, and is now on a five game point streak (6 goals, 6 assists). Goaltender Igor Shesterkin also looked to be in mid-season form, making 34 saves in the win.  The Habs fell to the Rangers in the most recent two contests between these two clubs, outscored 12-6 in the process.

Projected Montreal Canadiens Lineup

New York Rangers Projected Lineup

Panarin – Trochek – Lafreniere

Kreider – Zibanejad – Smith

Cuylle – Chytil – Kakko

Edstrom – Carrick – Brodzinkski

Miller – Fox

Schneider – Trouba

Lindgren – Mancini

Shesterkin

How to Watch The Montreal Canadiens vs. The New York Rangers, October 22, 2024.

Game 7 of the regular season will be aired on TSN2 and RDS. Once the game is over, an instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Montreal Hockey Now.