Projected Lines vs. Penguins — Suzuki–Caufield–Bolduc Lead the Way as Canadiens Close Out Home‑and‑Home
MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens will roll out a familiar but youth‑energized lineup as they wrap up their home‑and‑home set with the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the top line of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and rookie Zack Bolduc once again headlining the forward group.
The Canadiens enter the matchup riding a 4‑1‑1 surge, including a 4–0 shutout of Pittsburgh the night before, and will look to continue their December turnaround behind a lineup that blends established core pieces with emerging young talent.
Forwards: Youth Movement Drives the Attack
Montreal’s forward lines remain unchanged from Saturday’s win, with Suzuki centering Caufield and Bolduc, a trio that has shown strong chemistry in transition and offensive‑zone pressure.
Behind them, Juraj Slafkovský, Oliver Kapanen, and Ivan Demidov form a dynamic second line built on size, pace, and creativity. The third unit of Alexandre Texier, Jake Evans, and Josh Anderson provides forechecking and defensive reliability, while the fourth line of Joe Veleno, Owen Beck, and Brendan Gallagher brings energy and matchup versatility.
Defense: Stability Across All Three Pairings
The Canadiens will again deploy the pairings that helped shut down Pittsburgh on Saturday. Mike Matheson and Alexandre Carrier anchor the top unit, while Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson continue to form one of the most intriguing young pairings in the league. Arber Xhekaj and Adam Engström round out the blue line with physicality and puck‑moving balance.
Goaltending: Fowler Expected to Start Again
After earning his first NHL shutout in the previous meeting, rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler is expected to start once more, with Samuel Montembeault backing up.
Scratches & Notes
- Phillip Danault remains scratched as he arrives in Montreal following his trade from Los Angeles.
- Jayden Struble is also scratched on defense.
- Montreal aims to sweep the home‑and‑home after winning both earlier meetings this season.
