Canadiens vs. Avalanche: Game Thread, Lines, and How to Watch
The Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche are set to face off in a pivotal match, with the game's start time set at 7:00 PM EST (4:00 PM PST). This highly anticipated game is the 54th of the 2025-2026 season, and it's a crucial test for both teams.
The Canadiens' Recent Form:
The Canadiens are on a roll, with Cole Caufield leading the charge. Caufield has scored in six consecutive games, amassing nine goals and reaching a total of 30 goals for the season. This impressive form has elevated the team's performance, making them a formidable force.
Avalanche's Challenges:
The Avalanche, however, are facing some setbacks. They are dealing with injuries, including the absence of Gabriel Landeskog and Devon Toews. Despite these challenges, they remain a top contender in the NHL, currently holding the top spot.
Offensive Struggles:
The Avalanche's offense, known for its potency, is facing a slump. They have managed to score at least four goals per game only twice in the past seven games, and those wins were their only victories during that period. Their power play, a key component of their strategy, is underperforming with a 15.9% success rate this season. In their last four games, they have failed to score on the power play, and last night in Ottawa, they didn't even earn a single power play opportunity.
Key Players:
Nathan MacKinnon, a key player for the Avalanche, has been in a scoring drought, finding the back of the net only twice in the last 11 games. In contrast, Caufield's goal-scoring streak has been a bright spot for the Canadiens.
Projected Lineups:
Here are the projected lineups for both teams:
Montreal Canadiens:
- Left Wing: Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Alexandre Texier
- Centre: Juraj Slafkovsky, Oliver Kapanen, Ivan Demidov
- Right Wing: Zachary Bolduc, Jake Evans, Kirby Dach
- Left Defence: Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle
- Right Defence: Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson
- Starters: Jakub Dobeš, Samuel Montembeault
- Scratched: Sammy Blais, Jayden Struble, Joe Veleno
- Injured: Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook
Colorado Avalanche:
- Left Wing: Artturi Lehkonen, Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas
- Centre: Ross Colton, Brock Nelson, Valeri Nichushkin
- Right Wing: Victor Olofsson, Jack Drury, Gavin Brindley
- Left Defence: Sam Malinski, Cale Makar
- Right Defence: Josh Manson, Brent Burns
- Starters: Scott Wedgewood, Mackenzie Blackwood
- Scratched: Parker Kelly, Joel Kiviranta
How to Watch:
- In the Canadiens region: TSN2 (English), RDS (French)
- In the Avalanche region: Altitude
- Streaming: ESPN+, RDS, TSN+
This game promises an exciting showdown, with the Canadiens aiming to capitalize on their recent success and the Avalanche looking to bounce back from their recent struggles. Don't miss out on this thrilling encounter!
