Canadiens defenseman Justin Barron will return to the lineup as Montreal visits the New Jersey Devils.
GAME DAY PREVIEW | Montreal Canadiens (18-18-7) vs New Jersey Devils (22-16-3)
GAME DAY: Montreal Canadiens vs New Jersey Devils.Game Preview
Roster News
Sean Monahan and Jesse Ylonen did not take part in practice on Tuesday as they each took a therapy day.
Cayden Primeau has headed to Ottawa where he will start against the Senators on Thursday.
Sam Montembeault (9-6-4 / 2.89 GAA / .909 SV%) is the confirmed starter for Montreal.
Last Game
The Canadiens took advantage of suspect Colorado goaltending as they surprised the Avalanche in Montreal.
Last game: MTL 4 vs COL 3 | F
Players to Watch
- Justin Barron - Barron returns to the lineup tonight in place of Johnathan Kovacevic.
Matchup for Game 44, Away Game 21
Prudential Center, Newark, NJ. | January 17, 7:00 PM ET | TV: SN, RDS, MSGSN, ESPN
Pre-Game
Juraj Slafkovsky on playing 82 NHL games.
- "I'm sure that it will only grow and the next 82 (games) will be better."
Projected Canadiens Lineup (subject to change)
Forwards
22 Cole Caufield - 14 Nick Suzuki - 20 Juraj Slafkovsky
49 Rafael Harvey-Pinard - 71 Jake Evans - 11 Brendan Gallagher
89 Joshua Roy - 91 Sean Monahan - 40 Joel Armia
55 Michael Pezzetta - 13 Mitchell Stephens - 56 Jesse Ylonen
Defensemen
21 Kaiden Guhle - 8 Mike Matheson
47 Jayden Struble - 58 David Savard
54 Jordan Harris - 52 Justin Barron
Goaltenders
Starter: 35 Sam Montembeault (9-6-4 / 2.89 GAA / .909 SV%)
Alternate: 34 Jake Allen
Out of the lineup
Scratches: Johnathan Kovacevic, Cayden Primeau
Injuries: Carey Price (knee), Chris Wideman (back), Kirby Dach (knee), Alex Newhook (lower body), Tanner Pearson (upper body), Christian Dvorak (upper body), Josh Anderson (lower body)
Visiting Bench
In the last meeting between these two teams on October 24, 2023, forward Tyler Toffoli recorded a hat trick in a 5-2 win.
Luke Hughes ranks first with 23 points by a rookie defensemen this season.
Nico Daws (3-2-0 / 2.63 GAA / .921 SV%) is the confirmed starter for New Jersey.
Game Expectations
The Canadiens begin a three game road trip in New Jersey.
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.
Gretzky Signature Series.