Canadiens Face Blue Jackets in Season Opener in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Montreal Canadiens will challenge the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Monday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m. ET, aiming to reclaim their winning momentum.

After a strong opening month, the Canadiens have faced significant struggles in November, marked by a rough power play and the loss of three key players to long-term injuries. Head coach Martin St-Louis remains resolute, stating, ‘The League doesn’t care. It moves on.’ The Canadiens will need to adapt as they take on a Blue Jackets team they have defeated in seven of their last eight matchups.

The Blue Jackets have had their ups and downs this season, including a four-game losing streak followed by a four-game winning streak. Currently, Columbus has a record of 5-3-2 in their last ten games, showing resilience as they navigate the Eastern Conference standings.

Players to watch include Canadiens’ Demidov, who is looking to break out of a scoring slump, and Kirill Marchenko from the Blue Jackets, who has emerged as a significant scoring threat with seven points in his last five games.

As for statistics, the Canadiens hold a current record of 10-6-2, scoring an average of 3.33 goals per game while allowing 3.44. The Blue Jackets, with a record of 9-7-2, average 3.00 goals for and 3.39 against.

Jakub Dobes will start in goal for the Canadiens, while the full lineup will be announced closer to puck drop. The Canadiens will be looking for a much-needed victory after losing their last three games on home ice.

In addition, the Canadiens have recalled defenseman Marc Del Gaizo from the Laval Rocket in the AHL. This marks Del Gaizo’s third call-up to the Canadiens this season.