Habs Finalize Roster Ahead of Crucial Matchup Against Blackhawks
The Montreal Canadiens are set to host the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at the Bell Centre, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT. This game is a key one for the Canadiens as they push to secure a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Despite growing anticipation, top prospect Ivan Demidov will not make his NHL debut tonight. The 19-year-old Russian winger, who signed a three-year entry-level contract with Montreal after an impressive season in the KHL with SKA Saint Petersburg, remains a healthy scratch.
Head coach Martin St. Louis emphasized the need to give Demidov more time to adjust to the Canadiens’ system and the North American style of play before making his first appearance.
Montreal enters tonightโs matchup with a 39โ31โ10 record and is coming off a 1-0 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. A win tonight would help the Canadiens avoid being swept by the Blackhawks this season, following a 4-2 loss in their last meeting on January 4.
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ or follow the Canadiens on social media for in-game updates.