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

Montreal Canadiens @ Florida Panthers

How to watch

Start time: 7:00 PM EDT / 4:00 PM PDT
In the Canadiens region: TSN2 (English), RDS (French)
In the Panthers region: Bally Sports Florida
Streaming: ESPN+, NHL Live, RDS Direct, TSN Direct

It was rather obvious which team had improved its roster at the deadline when the Canadiens and Panthers played just a few days ago. Montreal spent the first half of the game just trying to gain possession of the puck, running up their hits total but not able to get many shots.

They did find ways to generate enough offence to make the game close in the end, and that’s probably the best they can expect again versus such a strong opponent. The play of Jake Allen will be key in shutting down enough of Florida’s opportunities to give his team a chance, and that’s something he’s been doing very well since returning from a groin injury.

Montreal will be relying on its top two all-situations forwards, Nick Suzuki and Rem Pitlick, to carry the load for the team and turn what is sure to be mostly defensive play into quick-strike offence at the opposite end.

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup

Florida Panthers projected lineup