Can The Canadiens Bounce Back Against The Bruins?

The Habs are in for a challenge, as, due to the fractured ankle that Alex Newhook suffered last game, which will keep him out for the next 4 months, the Habs must make a shakeup to their forward lines for the first time in a long while. Although given how the offence had performed in the last two games, it was probably time for a change in some way.

The only line that has stayed intact is the top line of Juraj Slafkovsky-Nick Suzuki-Cole Caufield, who, despite getting shutout 7-0 last game against the Stars, played well at both ends of the ice just weren’t able to capitalize on their chances. This line is still one of the best in hockey and will likely get back onto the scoresheet soon.

The changes start on the 2nd line, where Kirby Dach will move up to be the 2nd line centre between Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov. This move is essentially to be made as Newhook’s direct replacement for tonight’s game. It will be interesting to see how all three perform together, as Newhook was a very important piece of the chemistry that the line had together by being among the most opportunistic lines in hockey early on.

As for the 3rd line, the Canadiens have decided to keep Josh Anderson and Jake Evans together, but have added Zack Bolduc to their wing instead of Joe Veleno. Bolduc has been struggling a lot lately, but by playing with workhorses like Evans and Anderson, who thrive on playing a solid forechecking game, the young forward may be able to make an impact again tonight. Honestly, it’s shocking that Kapanen stays with Demidov and Bolduc is put on the 3rd line, as the Habs had the chance to put together a scoring line of Demidov-Dach-Bolduc as well as a defensive shutdown line of Anderson-Evans-Kapanen. However, for tonight, neither line is exactly the perfect fit that although Kapanen has shown he can score some big goals early on.

As for the 4th line, Veleno is now back at centre, where his game excels more. He will be joined by a struggling Brendan Gallagher and newcomer Jared Davidson on his wings. This line will be an energy line filled with guys looking to prove something, which includes Davidson getting his first NHL game tonight. The 23-year-old forward will be looking to bring his fierce 2-way game and scoring touch to the Canadiens, who desperately need someone to help wake up the offence as of late.

The Habs announced on Friday that Samuel Montembeault will be getting the start against the Bruins tonight. Montembeault has continued to look shaky, allowing a goal on the first shot he faces in 4 of his last 5 games. He will need to prove that he can be somewhat reliable, especially since Jakub Dobes is also struggling now. Can playing against one of the Habs’ biggest rivals help Montembeault get his game back on track and put up a similar performance to his matchup against the Utah Mammoth last Saturday? It was by far his best game of the year, despite allowing a goal on the 1st shot. The Bruins will have netminder Jeremy Swayman in goal for them tonight.

Another question mark heading into the game is whether the defensive coverage can get back to normal, which means guys like Lane Hutson not trying to pinch at the wrong times and just keep their game simple.

The Over bet continues to hit in Habs games, as it has paid out in 9 consecutive matchups, while the Bruins have seen the Over cash in their last 3 games as well. With that being said, it is most likely the best betting trend to follow for tonight’s game. The line for tonight is listed as over-under. Given the Habs’ struggles, it may be hard to take them to win tonight, but they are listed as -165 home favorites. In terms of player props, despite his struggles on defense, Hutson to get an assist at -135 odds is still a very good bet.

What are your predictions for tonight’s game? Do you see the Habs bouncing back?