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Canadiens eye early Hurricanes rematch at Bell Centre: Canadiens morning report
The Canadiens open their home schedule Tuesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Bell Centre, just four months after their playoff exit and with Ivan Demidov still in doubt.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
With no game played by the Canadiens in the last 36 hours, all eyes shift to tonight’s home opener at the Bell Centre. The Habs welcome the Carolina Hurricanes, the defending Stanley Cup champions, in a matchup set for 7 p.m. Montreal time.
Early shot at revenge and a push for a full 60 minutes
It has been only four months since the Canadiens were eliminated by the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final, and the rematch comes early. Carolina arrives in Montreal described as wobbling to start their title defence, while the Canadiens are chasing something specific: a full 60-minute performance.
Montreal has taken 3 points from its first 2 games (a 1-0-1 record), putting the team 5th in the Atlantic Division, but the start has been uneven. The Canadiens are intent on using that small early-season sample to make quick adjustments. Facing a proven contender like Carolina in the home opener offers a sharp measuring stick for a group that pushed these same Hurricanes deep into last spring.
St. Louis weighs lineup calls as Demidov’s status remains in doubt
At practice in Brossard, head coach Martin St. Louis is already juggling significant lineup calls. He has to balance giving a kind of playoff rematch opportunity to the players who went through last spring’s series against Carolina with finding spots for Xhekaj, Kapanen, Engstrom and Montembeault.
Ivan Demidov’s status remains in doubt for tonight’s contest, adding another wrinkle as St. Louis evaluates his lines and overall formation. Several combinations are under review as the staff looks for the most effective look against an opponent they now know intimately.
Canadiens tip their caps to Alexander Ovechkin’s final season
Away from the Xs and Os, news that Alexander Ovechkin has told his Washington Capitals teammates that his 22nd NHL season will be his last resonated across the league. In Brossard, St. Louis and several Canadiens players acknowledged the magnitude of his career and impact on the game. As the league digests the end of an era, the Habs’ immediate focus is squarely on tonight’s challenge at the Bell Centre against the Hurricanes.
Ivan Demidov