Game 40 Preview: Montreal Canadiens vs. Vancouver Canucks

Start Time: 7:30 PM EST / 4:30 PM PST

Where to Watch: RDS (French), Prime Video (Canada), ESPN+ (USA)

As the Montreal Canadiens prepare to face off against the Vancouver Canucks tonight, fans are buzzing with anticipation for this crucial matchup. The Canadiens come into this game after a robust performance in their recent outings, but they will have to navigate without key players Patrik Laine and David Savard, who are still recovering from injuries. The team has decided to maintain the same lineup that brought them success in their last two games against Chicago and Colorado, hoping to build momentum.

Goalie Updates:

Samuel Montembeault will be tending the net for the Canadiens. After an impressive win against the Colorado Avalanche last week, he carries high expectations into this game. Montembeault and his teammates are acutely aware of the stakes: a victory would propel them into playoff contention as the season rapidly approaches its midway point.

Canucks in a Bind:

On the other side, the Vancouver Canucks are facing their own difficulties. They arrive in Montreal without their star player Elias Pettersson and with captain Quinn Hughes uncertain to play. The team lacks the depth to give any player the night off, which may force Hughes back into action sooner than his body might be ready for. This presents an advantage for the Canadiens as they face an altered Canucks lineup that might not be in prime condition.

Predicted Lineups:

Montreal Canadiens: - Left Wing: Cole Caufield - Centre: Nick Suzuki - Right Wing: Juraj Slafkovský - Additional Forwards: Michael Pezzetta, Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, Emil Heineman, Jake Evans, Joel Armia, Josh Anderson, Christian Dvorak, Brendan Gallagher - Defensive Pairings: Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, Alexandre Carrier, Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble - Goaltenders: Samuel Montembeault (starter), Jakub Dobes (backup) - Injured: David Savard - Ill: Patrik Laine Vancouver Canucks: - Left Wing: Jake DeBrusk - Centre: J.T. Miller - Right Wing: Brock Boeser - Additional Forwards: Phil Di Giuseppe, Pius Suter, Conor Garland, Danton Heinen, Teddy Blueger, Kiefer Sherwood, Nils Hoglander, Max Sasson, Jonathan Lekkerimaki - Defensive Pairings: Quinn Hughes, Tyler Myers, Carson Soucy, Noah Juulsen, Derek Forbort, Vincent Desharnais As the puck drops tonight, both teams will be fighting hard not just for the two points, but for momentum heading into the critical stretch of the season. Will the Canadiens be able to capitalize on the Canucks' struggles? Fans won't want to miss this high-stakes matchup! Tune in at 7:30 PM EST to catch all the action.