The Montreal Canadiens have one last exhibition game to tinker with the lineup and make critical roster decisions ahead of opening night on Wednesday.
GAME DAY PREVIEW | Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa Senators
Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa SenatorsGame Preview
Roster News
- Since Monday's preseason game in Toronto, defenseman Logan Mailloux has been loaned to the Laval Rocket (AHL).
- Mike Matheson is off the injury list and returns to game action tonight.
Last Game
Despite a rough start against some of Toronto's most dangerous players, the Montreal Canadiens pulled out an overtime victory on the road, courtesy of captain Nick Suzuki.
Last game: MTL 5 TOR 4 (OT)
For a complete game recap: Canadiens Captain Decides It In Overtime | RECAP: MTL @ TOR
Players to Watch
- Rafael Harvey-Pinard - The young forward gets a surprising audition on the top line with Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
- Sam Montembeault - The young goaltender hasn't had the most outstanding start in the preseason; he's got a chance at redemption against a young Ottawa team.
- Mattias Norlinder and Justin Barron - Norlinder has stolen some deserved attention this week with his stepped-up play in camp. Paired together, both defensemen have something to prove tonight.
Matchup for Preseason Game 6
Canadian Tire Center, Ottawa, ON | October 7, 7:00 PM ET | TV: RDS, TSN5
Pre-Game
Jordan Harris
- "So, right now, I think tonight’s a great opportunity – and our game against Toronto was as well – to solidify those team aspects and form our identity as a team."
Rafael Harvey-Pinard
- "I think I can give more. But at the same time, I don’t think I played poorly either. Training camp is a process and it’s about getting better with each game and finding your rhythm."
Quotes provided by the Montreal Canadiens
Projected Canadiens Lineup (subject to change)
Forwards
22 Cole Caufield 14 Nick Suzuki 49 Rafael Harvey-Pinard
15 Alex Newhook 77 Kirby Dach 20 Juraj Slafkovsky
51 Emil Heineman 91 Sean Monahan 40 Joel Armia
55 Michael Pezzetta 71 Jake Evans 56 Jesse Ylonen
Defensemen
8 Mike Matheson 27 Gustav Lindstrom
59 Mattias Norlinder 52 Justin Barron
72 Arber Xhekaj 54 Jordan Harris
Goaltenders
Starter: 35 Sam Montembeault
Alternate: 30 Cayden Primeau
Out of the lineup:
Scratches: Josh Anderson, Kaiden Guhle, Brendan Gallagher, Tanner Pearson, David Savard, Jonathan Kovacevic
Injuries: Christian Dvorak (lower body), Carey Price (lower body), Chris Wideman (upper body)
Visiting Bench
The Senators have dropped just one of their seven preseason games played so far, currently 6-1 in exhibition play. In a puzzling move for their final preseason matchup tonight, the Sens recalled six players from Belleville to dress another roster filled with AHL players like Ridly Greig, Roby Jarventie, and Egor Sokolov. Mads Sogaard is expected to get the start in goal with Joonas Korpisalo as the alternate.
Game Expectations
Tonight is the final opportunity for Martin St. Louis, Kent Hughes, Jeff Gorton, and the rest of Montreal's front office to evaluate the options available to them for opening night. Competition should be intense, particularly against an opponent not icing their best talent.
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