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Amidst trade speculation, the Montreal Canadiens take on the Nashville Predators who are winners of eight straight games.

Excerpt from 'Habs Hockey Report' of host Amy Johnson commenting on the potential for Kent Hughes to trade Josh Anderson.

GAME DAY PREVIEW | Montreal Canadiens (23-28-10) vs Nashville Predators (35-25-2)

GAME DAY: Montreal Canadiens vs Nashville PredatorsGAME DAY: Montreal Canadiens vs Nashville Predators

Game Preview

Roster News

Juraj Slafkovsky did not participate in Monday's practice in Nashville taking a therapy day. Slafkovsky was limping after Saturday's game against the Lightning.

Rafael Harvey-Pinard continues to practice with the team but has not yet been cleared to play.

Jayden Struble returns to the lineup after missing four games with a lower body injury.

Canadiens announce that Colin White is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Jake Allen (5-12-3 / 3.68 GAA / .892 SV%) is the confirmed starter for Montreal.

Last Game

The Canadiens squandered and 2-0 first period lead losing to Tampa Bay in a shootout.

Last game: MTL 3 vs TBL 4 | F/SO

Players to Watch

  • Jayden Struble - Struble has missed the last four games with a lower body injury. Struble will take Jonathan Kovacevic's spot.

Matchup for Game 62, Away Game 31

Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN. | March 5, 8:00 PM ET | TV: TSN2, RDS, BSSO, ESPN

Pre-Game

David Savard

"It's certain that one day they will have to make room for young people. There are some in Laval who play extremely well. It's certain that it creates a little more discussion."

Projected Canadiens Lineup (subject to change)

Forwards
22 Cole Caufield - 14 Nick Suzuki - 20 Juraj Slafkovsky
89 Joshua Roy - 15 Alex Newhook - 40 Joel Armia
11 Brendan Gallagher - 71 Jake Evans - 17 Josh Anderson
70 Tanner Pearson - 49 Rafael Harvey-Pinard - 56 Jesse Ylonen

Defensemen
8 Mike Matheson - 21 Kaiden Guhle
72 Arber Xhekaj - 58 David Savard
47 Jayden Struble - 54 Jordan Harris

Goaltenders
Starter: 34 Jake Allen (5-12-3 / 3.68 GAA / .892 SV%)
Alternate: 35 Sam Montembeault

Out of the lineup
Scratches: Cayden Primeau, Michael Pezzetta, Johnathan Kovacevic
Injuries: Carey Price (knee), Chris Wideman (back), Kirby Dach (knee), Christian Dvorak (upper body), Colin White (upper body)

Visiting Bench

This is the second and final meeting between the two teams. Nashville won the previous game 2-1 on December 10th.

The Predators have a record of 9-1-4 all-time against Montreal at Bridgestone Arena.

Defenseman Roman Josi has 14 points in 17 career games against the Canadiens.

Nashville is 8-2-0 in their last 10 games.

Juuse Saros (26-21-2 / 2.82 GAA / .908 SV%) is the likely starter for the Predators.

Game Expectations

The Canadiens haven't fared well in Nashville in recent years. The Predators are unbeaten in regulation in their last five games against the Habs at Bridgestone Arena.

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.

Wayne Gretzky Signature SeriesWayne Gretzky Signature Series