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Canadiens Preview & Lines: David Savard A Game-Time Decision

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Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets

The Montreal Canadiens (11-15-3) are set to visit the high-flying Winnipeg Jets (21-9-1) on Saturday night. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET. The Canadiens will look to put their last game in their rearview mirror, as they are set to face off against the top team in the NHL.



Following Monday’s shootout win against the visiting Anaheim Ducks, the Canadiens were finding some success, as they had won three of their past four. But a demoralizing 9-2 loss against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins was enough to derail the team’s momentum.

Despite getting the opening goal by captain Nick Suzuki just over two minutes into the game, not to mention being involved in a 3-2 game heading into the second intermission, the wheels just came off in the third period. An epic and utter collapse from everyone up and down the lineup saw the visiting Penguins light the lamp six straight times in just over 14 minutes, leading to the worst loss of the season for the Canadiens.

Sam Montembeault, who was starting his fifth game in a row, and had been playing really well of late, allowed six goals on 26 shots. Backup Cayden Primeau didn’t fare any better, allowing three goals on just seven shots.

The Canadiens will once again turn to Montembeault, giving him the start against the Jets, while defenceman David Savard will be a game-time decision, as he’s currently nursing a nagging injury.

Based on the lines used in the second half of the game on Thursday, expect Juraj Slafkovsky to feature on the top line with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, while Alex Newhook plays on the second line alongside Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach.

ON TOPIC: Canadiens Fact Check: St-Louis Discusses Slafkovsky Line Change

The Jets opened their season with eight straight victories, before finally losing in game nine versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. With a balanced attack and a strong top six forwards, they have one of the most offensively-inclined teams in the league.

Their most valuable player is goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who is sporting a 18-5-0-1 record, 2.12 goals against average, and a .926 save percentage, representing some of the best numbers in the league. He also has three shutouts in the bank, making him a front-runner for the Hart and Vezina trophies.

That being said, the Jets are coming off a loss, a 3-2 overtime loss to the Golden Knights on Thursday. The loss came on the heels of their biggest blowout of the season, when they dismantled the Boston Bruins 8-1 on Tuesday night.

As for the players to watch, forwards Kyle Connor and Mark Schiefele have both scored 16 goals. Danish sniper Nikolaj Ehlers, who has missed the team’s past seven games, was spotted at practice this week. His 25 points are still good for fourth on the team despite the lengthy absence.

Hellebuyck will start versus the Canadiens, as the Jets as they conclude a four-game home stand.

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Cole CaufieldNick SuzukiJuraj Slafkovsky
Alex NewhookKirby DachJosh Anderson
Owen BeckChristian DvorakBrendan Gallagher
Patrik LaineJake EvansJoel Armia
Mike MathesonAlexandre Carrier
Lane HutsonLogan Mailloux
Arber Xhekaj David Savard
Jakub Dobes
Samuel Montembeault

Winnipeg Jets Projected Lineup

Connor – Schiefele – Vilardi
Perfetti – Namestnikov – Chibrikov
Niederreiter – Lowry – Appleton
Barron – Kupari – Iafallo

Morrissey – DeMelo
Fleury – Pionk
Stanley – Heinola

Hellebuyck
Comrie

How to Watch The Montreal Canadiens vs. The Winnipeg Jets December 14, 2024.

Game 30 of the regular season will be aired on Sportsnet, TVA Sports, and City TV. Once the game is over, an instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Montreal Hockey Now.