Overview
- Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET in Montreal for the rivals’ first meeting of the season.
- Montreal recalled Jared Davidson from Laval for his NHL debut, slotting him on the fourth line with Joe Veleno and Brendan Gallagher as forward lines are reworked.
- The Canadiens confirmed major injury setbacks, with Alex Newhook out about four months after ankle surgery and Kaiden Guhle sidelined 8–10 weeks following adductor surgery.
- Goaltending is under scrutiny for Montreal after a 7-0 loss to Dallas, with Sam Montembeault struggling and Jakub Dobes pulled after allowing five goals on 13 shots.
- Boston had a seven-game winning streak halted by Ottawa but has won eight of its past 10, with David Pastrnak leading the attack and Morgan Geekie pacing the team with 12 goals.