Canadiens Preview & Lines: Barron Returns, Montembeault Starts

The Montreal Canadiens (5-10-2) are set to host the Columbus Blue Jackets (6-8-2) on Saturday night, with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET.

Even though the Habs fell to last place in the NHL standings after their 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, they did play one of their best defensive games of the season. Rather than allowing seven high-danger scoring chances per period, Martin St-Louis’ team only allowed seven chances at 5v5 in the entire match-up. It’s a step toward respectability in regard to their dismal defensive results this season.

Unfortunately, while they tightened up defensively, the offence ran dry, as the Habs only managed two quality scoring chances in 60 minutes. The top six had much better underlying numbers than in past games, but at this point of the season you would like to see a little more at play than just mildly encouraging results while the team’s best offensive plays fail to make an impact.

Rafael Harvey-Pinard was spotted skating with a regular jersey at practice. He took Brendan Gallagher’s spot on the third line, with Josh Anderson and Christian Dvorak, however, the Canadiens have stated he is not injured, and is only taking a treatment day.

Defenceman Justin Barron will be in the lineup on Saturday, marking his first game since October 31. Jayden Struble will watch the game from the press box to make way for Barron’s return. Goaltender Samuel Montembeault will receive the start.

The Canadiens will honour former captain Shea Weber prior to puck drop by adding him to the team’s ring of honour. The 39-year-old defenceman was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame earlier this week. It should also be noted that legendary announcer Pierre Houde was also part of the festivities in Toronto, as he won the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award.

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As for the Blue Jackets, they’ve also struggled to find any consistency this season, and currently find themselves just two points up on the Canadiens, with one game in hand.

Former Hab Sean Monahan is enjoying a successful start with his new team, to the tune of six goals and seven assists in 16 games. Some credit must be given to his first-line winger, Kirill Marchenko, as he leads the team in scoring with 16 points.

Another former member of the Canadiens is expected to be in the lineup, marking the return of defenceman Jordan Harris to the city where he played the first three season of his career. Harris has been made a healthy scratch on several occasions, connoting he’s yet to carve out a permanent role with the Jackets.

David Jiricek, the sixth overall pick in 2022, will not be in the lineup, as he was assigned to the Cleveland Monsters (AHL) earlier in the week.

Projected Montreal Canadiens Lineup

Projected Columbus Blue Jackets Lineup

Voronko – Monahan – Marchenko

Sillinger – Fantilli – Chinakhov

Pyyhtia – Danforth – Olivier

Aston-Reese – Kuraly – Lebanc

Werenski – Fabbro

Provorov – Severson

Christiansen – Harris

Tarasov

How to Watch The Montreal Canadiens vs. The Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Game 18 of the regular season will be aired on RDS and TSN2. Once the game is over, an instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Montreal Hockey Now.