Canadiens vs. Devils: Game thread, rosters, lines, and how to watch

The Montreal Canadiens have been playing much better hockey of late, with points in seven straight games, and actually being a competitive group consistently for what seems like the first time all year. They had a rough start to this week following a 2-1 overtime loss to the Bruins on Saturday, however. Captain Max Pacioretty and defenceman Victor Mete are both going to be out up to six weeks as they recover from their injuries, while the suddenly nigh-impenetrable Antti Niemi will also miss the game.

Niemi’s absence prompted the emergency recall of Zachary Fucale, who will back up the more-than-capable Charlie Lindgren in net. In the absence of Mete, newcomer Rinat Valiev will make his debut for the Habs, wearing Torrey Mitchell’s old number 17. Pacioretty being out creates a larger hole at the top of the line, made worse by the absence of Charles Hudon who also is out nursing a minor injury. In their steed rookie Nikita Scherbak, and the struggling Jonathan Drouin will need to find their best game to help float the Habs for the rest of this season.

As for the Devils there’s one storyline for them, and it’s a big one: Taylor Hall and his 25 game point streak. The Devils winger has blown apart every narrative surrounding him as he builds a case for the Hart Trophy and attempts to drag his team kicking and screaming into the post-season.

Puck drop is at 7:00 PM EST / 4:00 PM PST

How to watch

In Canada: TSN2, TSN GO (English), RDS (French)
In the Devils region: MSG+
Elsewhere: NHL.tv/NHL GameCentre Live, NHL Center Ice

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup