Canadiens vs. Sabres: Game thread, rosters, lines, and how to watch
After a two-day stay in New York, Montreal heads home to face the Sabres
Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres
How to watch
Puck drop: 7:30 PM EST / 4:30 PM PST
In the Canadiens region: TSN2, TSN Direct (English), RDS, RDS Direct (French)
In the In the Sabres region: MSG-Buffalo
Elsewhere: NHL.tv/Rogers NHL Live
The Canadiens have been good this season, and one indicator that shows this team might be a legitimate threat is that they have not yet conceded two games in a row. Tonight against the Sabres, they will attempt to avoid a second straight loss for the first time this season, following one against the Rangers earlier this week.
A few lineup changes occurred this morning during the Canadiens practice, including Kenny Agostino sliding in next to Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Artturi Lehkonen in Joel Armia’s absence. Andrew Shaw and Charles Hudon will also swap places, with Shaw getting a chance next to the red-hot Max Domi.
On defence, there’s an interesting change as Noah Juulsen will slide out of the lineup in exchange for Karl Alzner. This could be a difficult game to make such a change, especially due to the speed that the Sabres possess in their transition game.
Montreal is looking to avenge an earlier loss this season at the Bell Centre against Buffalo, where they lost 4-3 after a late push by the Sabres. Max Domi could be the hero again tonight for the Canadiens, as he scored twice in that loss to Buffalo.
Montreal Canadiens projected lineup
Forwards
| Left Wing | Centre | Right Wing |
|---|---|---|
| Tomas Tatar | Phillip Danault | Brendan Gallagher |
| Jonathan Drouin | Max Domi | Andrew Shaw |
| Kenny Agostino | Jesperi Kotkaniemi | Artturi Lehkonen |
| Nicolas Deslauriers | Matthew Peca | Charles Hudon |
Defencemen
| Left Defence | Right Defence |
|---|---|
| Jordie Benn | Jeff Petry |
| Mikey Reilly | Karl Alzner |
| Xavier Ouellet | Victor Mete |
Goaltenders
| Goaltenders |
|---|
| Carey Price |
| Antti Niemi |
Buffalo Sabres projected lineup
Forwards
| Left Wing | Centre | Right Wing |
|---|---|---|
| Jeff Skinner | Jack Eichel | Jason Pominville |
| Conor Sheary | Casey Mittelstadt | Kyle Okposo |
| Vladimir Sobotka | Evan Rodrigues | Sam Reinhart |
| Patrik Burglund | Johan Larsson | Zemgus Girgensons |
Defencemen
| Left Defence | Right Defence |
|---|---|
| Jake McCabe | Rasmus Ristolainen |
| Marco Scandella | Zach Bogosian |
| Nathan Beaulieu | Rasmus Dahlin |
Goaltenders
| Goaltenders |
|---|
| Linus Ullmark |
| Carter Hutton |