Canadiens Preview & Lines: Evans Promotion, Xhekaj And Struble

The Montreal Canadiens (4-7-1) are set to host the Calgary Flames (6-5-1) on Tuesday night, with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET.

The Canadiens are in the midst of a three-game losing streak, though it must be said the losses weren’t one-sided when discussing the scoring chances. On that note, given the team is three years into the rebuild, there is some legitimate concern about the lack of progress made by Martin St-Louis’ team, as selling hope has hit a point of diminishing returns.

The players are also well aware they need to create a momentum, however, that’s much easier said than done. The good news is that rookie Lane Hutson, one of the leaders on the ice, spoke like a veteran when asked about the team’s current issues.

“We get to play hockey everyday so you can’t complain. There’s gonna be tough stretches, we’re in a tough stretch now but we’re excited to try to get out of it.”

– Lane Hutson today pic.twitter.com/JSp9tNE2FH

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) November 5, 2024

Justin Barron will not be in the lineup on Tuesday, which means both Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble will form the third pairing. As per the practice lines on Monday, Jake Evans is expected to play on the second line, whereas Kirby Dach will 0nce again feature on the top line, alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Goaltender Samuel Montembeault will get the start versus the Flames.

On Topic: Canadiens Practice Notes: Jake Evans Receives Promotion

As for the Flames, they’ve also struggled to find consistency this season. Their 6-5-1 record is paired with a negative goal difference (-3), and though they may have plans to eventually qualify for the playoffs, just like the Canadiens, it will be difficult to do so in 2024-25.

Jonathan Huberdeau has been much more productive than in previous seasons, with five goals and three assists in 12 games, however, it is defenceman Rasmus Andersson who currently leads the team in scoring, with four goals and seven assists.

Goaltender Dustin Wolf is expected to be given the start.

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Calgary Flames Projected Lineup

Zary – Kadri – Pospisil

Coleman – Backlund – Coronato

Huberdeau – Sharangovich – Mantha

Lomberg – Rooney – Kuzmenko

Bahl – Andersson

Weeger – Miromanov

Barrie – Pachal

Wolf

How to Watch The Montreal Canadiens vs. The Calgary Flames, November 5, 2024.

Game 13 of the regular season will be aired on RDS, TSN2, and Sportsnet West. Once the game is over, an instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Montreal Hockey Now.