Canadiens @ Blackhawks: Game thread, rosters, lines, and how to watch

Montreal Canadiens @ Chicago Blackhawks

How to watch

Start time: 6:00 PM EST / 3:00 PM PST
In Canada: Sportsnet, Sportsnet Now (English), RDS, RDS Direct (French)
In the US: NHL Network
In the Blackhawks region: NBCSCH
Elsewhere: NHL.tv/Rogers NHL Live

The Montreal Canadiens have won two straight contests, and three of their last four after a recent five-game losing streak. The goals are starting to come once again, while the defence has been doing its part to give the team a chance.

After back-to-back 5-2 wins, the lineup remains intact for tonight’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Carey Price starts in net, Brett Kulak lines up opposite Shea Weber on the top pairing, and the line of Nicolas Deslauriers, Michael Chaput, and Kenny Agostino will attempt to be just as effective as it was earlier in the week.

The Blackhawks do get an addition to their personnel. Connor Murphy makes his first start of the season after a back injury forced him to miss the first two months. He should help a defence that ranks among the worst in the NHL regain a bit of footing.

Both teams have had two days off to prepare for the game, so energy shouldn’t be an issue. The Canadiens should be able to play their high-tempo style for the full 60 minutes, and that will put a lot of pressure on the last-place team in the league.

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup

Chicago Blackhawks projected lineup