Here's what you need to know as the Montreal Canadiens visit the Buffalo Sabres as the Habs begin a busy week in the NHL.
GAME DAY PREVIEW | Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo SabresGame Preview
Roster News
It's a busy week for the Canadiens as they begin four games in six nights against the Sabres tonight.
Jake Allen will get the start in goal. Cayden Primeau, Christian Dvorak and Kaiden Guhle have not made the trip to Buffalo.
Last Game
The Canadiens gave up a two-goal lead as Capitals forward Dylan Strome scored twice in the third-period. Cole Caufield sent Bell Centre fans home happy scoring the game-winner 47 seconds into overtime.
Last game: MTL 3 WSH 2
For a complete game recap: Caufield Delivers for the Canadiens | RECAP: WSH @ MTL
Players to Watch
- Cole Caufield - Caufield has tallied five points in his first four games, with at least a point in each game. His total includes three goals.
- Joel Armia - Head coach Marty St. Louis is not expected to make any changes to the lineup for tonight's game which means that Armia, recently recalled from Laval, will once again be in the press box.
- Justin Barron - Barron had an unspectacular yet solid season debut on Saturday night against the Capitals. Marty St. Louis was very happy with his game.
Matchup for Game 5, Away Game 2
KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY | October 23, 7:00 PM ET | TV: SN, RDS, MSG-B, NHLN
Pre-Game
Marty St. Louis on Jake Allen
- "He played very well against the Capitals. He gave us a chance to win. He deserves another start."
Projected Canadiens Lineup (subject to change)
Forwards
22 Cole Caufield 14 Nick Suzuki 49 Rafael Harvey-Pinard
20 Juraj Slafkovsky 15 Alex Newhook 17 Josh Anderson
70 Tanner Pearson 91 Sean Monahan 11 Brendan Gallagher
55 Michael Pezzetta 71 Jake Evans 56 Jesse Ylonen
Defensemen
8 Mike Matheson 58 David Savard
54 Jordan Harris 26 Johnathan Kovacevic
72 Arber Xhekaj 52 Justin Barron
Goaltenders
Starter: 34 Jake Allen
Alternate: 35 Sam Montembeault
Out of the lineup
Scratches: Joel Armia, Cayden Primeau
Injuries: Christian Dvorak (lower body), Carey Price (lower body), Chris Wideman (upper body), Kirby Dach (lower body), Kaiden Guhle (upper body)
Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo SabresVisiting Bench
With Devon Levi nursing a lower-body injury, Eric Comrie will make the start in goal for Buffalo. The 28-year-old won his only start of the season, a 3-1 decision over the New York Islanders on Saturday.
There will be three first overall draft picks in the game tonight including two from the Buffalo Sabres: Owen Power and Rasmus Dahlin.
Game Expectations
With a point tonight, Cole Caufield will reach the 90-point mark for his career in just his 128th game. In the past 25 years, only Michael Ryder has done it quicker (90 points in 118 games played.)
Be sure to bookmark THN.com/Montreal for year-round coverage of the Montreal Canadiens, Laval Rocket, and Habs prospects playing in leagues around the world.
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