Canadiens vs. Blue Jackets: Game thread, roster, lines, and how to watch

The Canadiens are back in the saddle again.

In their second game in two nights, the Montreal Canadiens are finding themselves in another position to upset a team on a winning streak.  Columbus has won 11 games in a row, which is the most consecutive games won in their franchise’s history.

It’s been quite the time offensively for the Blue Jackets who haven’t scored less than three goals in a hockey game since their last loss on the 26th of November. Leading the way for Columbus is Cam Atkinson with 14 points in that stretch, followed by Sam Gagner with 13, and Brandon Saad with 10.

It’s a tough task for a Montreal Canadiens team that is missing five lineup regulars with injuries, as well as missing Alexei Emelin due to his wife giving birth (Congratulations!).

There’s also that friendly reminder that the last time the Canadiens visited Columbus they surrendered 10 goals and were shut out by the Blue Jackets in their worst defeat of the season. The Canadiens also drew unpopular press that day when deciding to leave Al Montoya in the game for all 10 goals against. Montoya will have his chance to right any wrongs tonight as he expected to get the start.

How To Watch

Puck Drop: 7:00pm EST/ 4:00pm PST

In Canada: Sportsnet East (English), RDS (French)

In the United States: FS-O (Columbus Region)

Elsewhere: NHL.TV/NHL Gamecenter Live, NHL Center Ice

Scratched: Sven Andrighetto, Alexei Emelin (personal).

Injured: Alex Galchenyuk (knee), David Desharnais (knee), Greg Pateryn (fractured ankle), Andrew Shaw (concussion), Andrei Markov (lower-body).

Scratched: Dalton Prout

Injured: David Clarkson (lower-body)