Even though it’s only the fifth game of the season, I never thought I’d go with a title like this. The Canadiens are currently seventh in the Atlantic while the #RedWings are one point behind, in last place!
Martin St-Louis’s men will try to put an end to their three-game losing streak as Dylan Larkin and the Wings are in town. Todd McLellan’s men have won the last two matchups against the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge: 3-1 at Little Caesars Arena on May 19, 2026, and 4-0 right here at the Bell Centre on January 10, 2026.
The #Habs will have to keep an eye on Alex DeBrincat, who has scored 3 goals and added 4 assists in his last five games against the #Canadiens. As for Larkin, he has found the back of the net in 4 of the last 5 games against the Habs.
Jacob Fowler will be in net for his team for a second consecutive game, and I have to admit I’m surprised by Marty's choice. Not that I dislike the choice, since Fowler is certainly not to blame for the loss to the #Preds on Thursday night, but because I was convinced he would go back to his “number one goalie.” The Canadiens will play two games in 24 hours—Tuesday at home against the Sabres and Wednesday at Capital One Arena against Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in Washington—which means Fowler will have seen action in 3 of the last 4 games for his team!
With the trade of Jayden Struble last night, that indicated to me that Kayden Guhle was surely ready to return to action, which is exactly the case since he’ll play his first game of the season tonight. With Florian Xhekaj having to sit out, the Canadiens will play with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen. When asked if Arber Xhekaj would take a few shifts on offense, Martin simply replied that he didn’t know. You can bet a small $2 that the Sheriff will get a few offensive shifts on the fourth line!
The popular question of the day is whether the fans at the Bell Centre tonight will give Dylan Larkin a warm welcome to make him feel he’d be appreciated with the #CH, or whether he’ll be booed since he still hasn’t put Montreal on his potential trade list. For my part, I dare hope he’ll be booed because he’s never indicated he’d like to join our team. Personally, I’m one of those who doesn’t want his services. Not because he wouldn’t be an important addition, but because the asking price seems far too high.
Just like our team, I’m not off to a good start to the season with a 1-3 record in my predictions, but I’m ready to make my first lock of the season as I guarantee you a Canadiens victory tonight, and I’ll even go further by saying that victory will come in regulation time.
Season prediction: 1-3
Prediction:
DET - 2
MTL - 6
On that note, have a good rest of your day and enjoy the game tonight.