The Montreal Canadiens (33-18-9) are set to face the Anaheim Ducks (34-23-3), with puck drop scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.
The Habs will look to bounce back from a disappointing performance against another California club, the San Jose Sharks, on Tuesday. The good news is that the Canadiens managed to find the back of the net on five occasions, but this was overshadowed by their usual chaotic defensive setup, not to mention some questionable netminding, resulting in a 7-5 loss.
If the Canadiens hope to qualify for the playoffs without running their horses into the ground, as was the case last season, they will need every player on the ice moving in the same direction. In other words, they require fewer defensive failures, better support for defenders, and an increased sense of anticipation from goaltenders.
This doesn't mean Montreal is in great danger of missing the playoffs, as their chances are around 80%, but they will need to curb some of their bad habits in the final stretch of the season. This includes lack of discipline, a recurring issue over the last few years.
Lineup changes, starting goalkeeper
Head coach Martin Saint-Louis will turn to veteran netminder Samuel Montembeault against the Ducks, however, it should be noted that the Habs will also play against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. This suggests we will see rookie goalkeeper Jacob Dobbs in action within 24 hours.
As far as the forward lineup is concerned, we will be treated to new combinations, or more accurately, old combinations that have a history of being successful. Juraj Slafkowski was returned to the first line, a smart move when we consider that no other player has done a better job with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
He will be replaced on the second line by Alex Newhook, who has done a great job providing secondary offense since returning to the game following a long-term ankle injury. He has scored two goals and two assists in three games, and will look to continue his excellent play alongside rookies Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov.
Given that Slafkowski is back to his ideal form, Kirby Dach will be used on the third line as a winger, with Jake Evans and Zachary Bolduc completing the trio. This means that the only line-up that will remain unchanged will consist of the experienced Josh Anderson, Phillip Danault and Brendan Gallagher.
It remains to be seen if Mike Matheson will be in uniform, as he missed Thursday's practice due to a maintenance day. If Matheson is unavailable, Arbor Zekaj is likely to return to the lineup.
Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup
Cole Coffield - Nick Suzuki - Juraj Slafkowski
Alex Newhook - Oliver Kapanen - Ivan Demidov
Zach Bolduc - Jake Evans - Kirby Dach
Josh Anderson - Philip Danault - Brendan Gallagher
Mike Matheson* - Caden Guhle
Lane Hutson - Noah Dobson
Jaden Struble - Alex Carrier
samuel montembault
Anaheim Ducks Projected Lineup
Chris Kreider - Leo Carlson - Cutter Gauthier
Jeffrey Viall - Mason McTavish - Beckett Seneca
Alex Killorn - Ryan Poehling - Johnson Harkins
Ross Johnson - Tim Wasche - Ian Moore
Jackson LaCombe - Jacob Trouba
I am Zellweger - Radko Gudas
Pavel Mintyukov - Drew Helson
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How to watch Hubs Vs. duck
Montreal Canadiens vs. Anaheim Ducks, Friday, March 6, 2026, will be broadcast on TSN2, RDS. A quick recap with highlights will be available on SportsNote once the final whistle blows.
