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

The Montreal Canadiens head to Quebec City for the annual game at the Videotron Centre, this time to face the Washington Capitals, fresh off their first Stanley Cup win this June.

Following the loss against the Panthers, Montreal will make further changes to their lineup, including the debut of two new faces. Professional tryout signee Joel Ward will slide into the lineup for his first look in a Canadiens uniform, Lukas Vejdemo makes his debut as well, one of the prospects to watch as the season rolls closer.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi gets to build on his successful game against New Jersey a few nights ago, slotting into as the second-line centre between Artturi Lehkonen and Charles Hudon. Matthew Peca is also getting another look tonight after an impressive game last night, and great pre-season so far.

Meanwhile, the Capitals seem to be rolling some of their bigger names tonight, as the top line of Alex Ovechkin, Tom Wilson and Evgeny Kuznetsov will take the ice against Montreal.

Despite it being pre-season, a game against the defending Stanley Cup champions should prove to be a challenge, but a win should prove to be a bright point going into the season, especially as the Capitals will be probably one of the better teams in the league this year.

Puck drop is at 7:00 PM EDT / 4:00 PM PDT

How to watch

In the Canadiens region: TSN2, TSN Direct (English), RDS, RDS Direct (French)
Elsewhere: NHL.tv/Rogers NHL Live

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup

Forwards

Defencemen

Goaltenders

Washington Capitals projected lineup

Forwards

Defencemen

Goaltenders