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

Montreal Canadiens @ Columbus Blue Jackets

How to watch

Start time: 7:00 PM EDT / 4:00 PM PDT
In the Canadiens region: TSN2, TSN Direct (English), RDS, RDS Direct (French)
In the USA: NHL Network
In the Blue Jackets region: Fox Sports - Ohio
Elsewhere: NHL.tv / Rogers NHL Live

The Canadiens are clinging to the final post-season position in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets. That battle will play out on the ice in Columbus this evening, in a contest with major playoff implications.

A regulation win for Montreal moves them four points clear of Columbus, with just 10 points left available to the Metropolitan Division club to make them up. A regulation loss gives both teams 90 points on the campaign, though the Blue Jackets would still have an extra game to play as well as more non-shootout wins, and therefore move them ahead. Considering the quality of competition Montreal faces in its final four contests, it would be difficult — but not impossible — to pull ahead of Columbus again.

Montreal has come away victorious in the previous two meetings of the season. with a 4-1 win in January and a 3-2 edge in February. Earning the season sweep will be the goal tonight as both sides throw everything they have into the most meaningful game either has played in 2018-19.

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup

Columbus Blue Jackets projected lineup