The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up to face the Philadelphia Flyers at the Bell Centre, with the game set to commence at 7 p.m. ET. The Canadiens come into this game with momentum, having recently secured a 2-1 shootout win against the Pittsburgh Penguins in their preseason opener. Despite a slow start that gave Pittsburgh an early lead, the Canadiens rallied after rookie Jared Davidson took on the larger Samuel Poulin, creating a shift in energy that resulted in a goal from Owen Beck. Solid performances from Jacob Fowler and Oliver Kapanen in the shootout ensured the victory.
Head Coach Martin St-Louis plans to rotate his roster for the upcoming game, introducing players who did not participate in the previous matchup. Notably, Lane Hutson has garnered attention and will be paired with the reliable Kaiden Guhle in the defensive lineup. The second defensive pairing consists of Arber Xhekaj and Alex Carrier, while the third sees David Reinbacher partnered with Tobie Paquette-Bisson.
In terms of forward lines, the Canadiens will maintain their top line with Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky, while an intriguing second line will feature Alex Newhook alongside Joshua Roy and Zach Bolduc. These players, particularly Joshua Roy, are eager to prove themselves, with Roy aiming for a return to the NHL after spending time in the AHL with the Laval Rocket. The fourth line, expected to bring energy and physical presence, features Florian Xhekaj, Luke Tuch, and Tyler Thorpe.
Though the exact lines for the Flyers remain uncertain, their roster indicates readiness for a competitive encounter. The Canadiens aim to build on their previous success, while the Flyers seek to showcase their own talents in this preseason contest.
For those eager to follow the action, the game will be broadcast on TSN2 and RDS. A comprehensive recap, including highlights, will be available on Montreal Hockey Now following the game. This preseason matchup offers a glimpse into the potential of both teams as they prepare for the forthcoming NHL season.