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

The wheels are in motion as the trade deadline is now just two days away. The transactions have already begun as teams try to get the jump on the competition to gain an edge for their post-season run.

For the Canadiens, that means they will hold their top rental player, Tomas Plekanec, out of the lineup tonight in hopes of preventing a last-minute injury. In his place will be Jacob de la Rose, who draws back in for the first time since February 15 and for only the third time this month. Logan Shaw will join Plekanec in the press box, with Daniel Carr also being reinserted into the lineup.

Noah Juulsen will get the call to reprise his role alongside Karl Alzner, while Victor Mete will continue to play on the top pairing alongside Jeff Petry.

The Tampa Bay Lightning sit atop the Atlantic Division standings, but the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs are hot on their heels. They’ll be trying to hold onto their lead as they wait for deadline reinforcements to arrive for the final 20 games of the season.

Puck drop is at 7:00 PM EST / 4:00 PM PST

How to watch

In Canada: CityTV, Sportsnet Now (English), TVA Sports (French)
In the Lightning region: SUN
Elsewhere: NHL.tv/NHL GameCentre Live, NHL Center Ice

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup

Forwards

Defence

Goaltenders

Scratched: Tomas Plekanec, Logan Shaw, David Schlemko
Injured: Shea Weber (foot), Ales Hemsky (concussion), Andrew Shaw (lower-body), Phillip Danault (concussion), Carey Price (concussion)

Tampa Bay Lightning projected lineup

Forwards

Defence

Goaltenders