Canadiens Preview And Lines: Hurricanes To Sit Key Players

The Montreal Canadiens (39-31-11) are set to host the Carolina Hurricanes (47-28-5), with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET.

It’s a fitting end to the regular season for the Habs, seeing as they can clinch a playoff berth by earning a single point against the Hurricanes. The chaotic season continues to earn its name.

Fortunately for head coach Martin St-Louis, the Hurricanes are planning on sitting several of their key players, including Jacob Slavin, Seth Jarvis, and Sebastian Aho.

Here is who is NOT on the ice for the #Canes at morning skate in Montreal:

• Sebastian Aho
• Jackson Blake
• Jalen Chatfield
• Seth Jarvis
• Jordan Martinook
• Jaccob Slavin
• Jordan Staal

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) April 16, 2025

Of course, just because Carolina is not icing its best lineup doesn’t mean the Habs can approach Wednesday’s game without intense focus, and much-better preparation than usual. The Canadiens have a tendency to offer their opponents easy goals in the first period, and that’s clearly an issue that needs to be put to rest.

If the Habs do fail to earn a point against Carolina, the Blue Jackets must win their game against the New York Islanders on Thursday, and they must win in regulation, but a Canadiens win would put an end to the slow, yet entertaining race toward the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

As for the Canadiens lineup, Samuel Montembeault will get the nod, while Oliver Kapanen will be forced to miss the game. Emil Heineman will take Kapanen’s place on the fourth line.

This connotes Ivan Demidov will one again play on the second line with Alex Newhook and Joel Armia. Beyond the fact that Demidov scored a goal and an assist within just a few shifts, the trio produced very encouraging numbers as soon as the 19-year-old forward was added to the mix.

Simply put, Demidov was a stabilizing presence, which is rather encouraging given his lack of NHL experience.

MUST READ: Ivan Demidov’s Immediate Impact Goes Beyond Points

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Carolina Hurricanes Projected Lineup

Hall – Kotkaniemi- Svechnikov

Robinson – Jankowski – Stankoven

Carrier – Jost – Roslovic

Nadeau – Brind’Amour

Gostisbehere – Burns

Orlov – Walker

Stillman – Morrow/Fensore

Kochetkov

How to Watch the Montreal Canadiens vs. the Carolina Hurricanes, Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Game 82 of the regular season will be aired on RDS and Sportsnet. Once the game is over, an instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Montreal Hockey Now.

Montreal Canadiens playoff odds via Money Puck.