Canadiens: Taking On The Cannon

Less than two weeks ago, the Montreal Canadiens were able to win a second game in a row when they convincingly beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-1 at the Bell Centre on the night where they honoured former captain Shea Weber. Tonight, there won't be a Weber to inspire the troops and Nick Suzuki will have to lead his men to battle himself.

Since that defeat in Montreal though, the Blue Jackets have been red hot, winning all three of their games by a combined score of 17-11. It was their 5-1 trouncing of the Boston Bruins that precipitated Jim Montgomery's firing.

The other two teams they got the better of are doing much better than Boston, the beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-6 in overtime and the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in a shootout. Over those three games, former Canadiens Sean Monahan recorded seven points and a shootout goal. Giving him 20 points in as many games this season, just like teammate Kirill Marchenko. Meanwhile, defenseman Zach Werenski was named the first star of the week in the league.

Much like the Canadiens after beating the Jackets though, Dean Evason's men have had the last three days off, Martin St-Louis must be hoping the break will have messed with the Ohio outfit's momentum.

In the last game between the two sides, Mike Matheson was names the first star of the game thanks to a goal and an assist but he was left out of the lineup last night because of a lower body injury. Samuel Montembeault was on duty when the Canadiens beat the Jackets earlier this month but tonight, it will be Cayden Primeau's turn to man the net.

Both Matheson and Patrik Laine made the trip with the Canadiens, but it doesn't mean they'll be ready to play tonight, in Laine's case it's even unlikely he'll be ready this week. Still having him around the team and practising with his teammates is good for team morale.

Related: Canadiens: Country Night Was No Rodeo

The game is scheduled for 7:30 and will be the second of three meetings between the two sides this season. This article will be updated as relevant information and stats become available.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens