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

Montreal Canadiens vs. Edmonton Oilers

How to watch

Start time: 7:00 PM EDT / 4:00 PM PDT
In the Canadiens region: TSN2 (English), RDS (French)
In the Oilers region: Sportsnet West
Streaming: NHL.tv/NHL Live, RDS Direct, Sportsnet Now, TSN Direct

As expected, it will be Jake Evans making way for newcomer Eric Staal in the lineup tonight. However, Staal is not slotting into Evans’s previous spot on the fourth line, but spelling Jesperi Kotkaniemi from what has probably been the second line in recent games. You can interpret that as a demotion for the youngest player on the team, or as the recombination of what was Montreal’s most productive line when these two teams met a week ago. All season long, the forward depth has been the biggest strength of the club, and now there’s no line that wouldn’t challenge for the title of second-best on many formations around the league.

Montreal may have rolled out the red carpet for their new addition, but the Oilers are sure to be less welcoming for the new player after they didn’t enjoy the hospitality during their last visit. Battling for the top spot in the division, the Oilers were soundly beaten by Montreal, and this after their traveling plans had been disrupted by Montreal’s COVID situation. They’re sure to be a bit less polite to Carey Price this evening.

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup

Scratched: Jake Evans
Injured: Ben Chiarot (broken hand)
COVID unavailable list: Joel Armia

Edmonton Oilers projected lineup