When I was getting ready to send you my usual pregame notes, I was far from suspecting that Ivan Demidov would not be in uniform, despite the fact that he missed yesterday’s practice, and even less that he will be sidelined for two to four weeks. People keep saying the Canadiens have never had this much depth; well, that depth is about to be put to a tough test over the next few weeks. In short, a big challenge awaits the Habs and Marty St-Louis.
Since Oliver Kapanen is still not able to play in tonight’s game, combined with the loss of Demidov, Deputy Florian Xhekaj will play his first game of the season as well as his first opening-night game with the big club. On top of that, he will do so with the Sheriff also in uniform. It will certainly be a very special moment for the Xhekaj brothers!
Here is what the lines look like for tonight’s game:
Caufield-Suzuki-Kreider
Slafkovsky-Newhook-Dach
Bolduc-Danault-Texier
F. Xhekaj-Evans-Anderson
Matheson-Dobson
Hutson-Carrier
Struble-A. Xhekaj
I can already hear you about Kirby Dach being on the second line, and I have to admit I do not like that decision any more than you do. I would have liked for Bolduc to get that opportunity, but oh well. Still, remember that the Bolduc, Danault and Texier line did well during training camp and seemed to have good chemistry. In short, that does not mean the lines at the start of the game will be the lines at the end of the game. Juraj Slafkovsky will have to step up in a big way, and Nick Suzuki’s line will once again have to be the best line tonight if the Canadiens hope to collect the two points in the standings.
Tonight’s opponents will be none other than the Stanley Cup champions, who have a 1-1-1 record in this young start to the season. Rod Brind’Amour’s men were shut out in their first game of the season and have scored only 2 goals at 5-on-5 in three games this season.
Jakub Dobes will get a third consecutive start and will be tasked with getting his team its first win at home this season. The Canadiens posted a 24-15-2 record at the Bell Centre last season.
After two predictions this season, I still have not predicted a win for the Habs, but I am confident we will see our Glorieux win tonight’s game.
Season prediction: 1-1
Tonight’s prediction:
CAR-2
MTL-3
With that, have a good rest of your day and enjoy the game tonight!
GoHabsGo