The Montreal Canadiens will play their final game before the NHL's holiday break on Tuesday night, facing off against a historic rival in a crucial Atlantic Division matchup. The Habs travel to Boston's TD Garden to take on the Bruins in what promises to be a hard-fought contest.
Key Storylines for the Pre-Holiday Finale
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on RDS, TSN2, TSN Radio 690, and 98.5 FM. The Canadiens enter the game with a record of 19-12-5, while the Bruins sit at 20-16-1, setting the stage for a tightly contested battle.
A major focus will be the return of centre Phillip Danault, who is expected to be in the lineup for the first time since being re-acquired by Montreal. In recent practices, he skated on a line with wingers Josh Anderson and Alexandre Texier, suggesting head coach Martin St. Louis is ready to integrate him immediately.
Goaltending and Playoff Implications
In goal, Jacob Fowler is projected to get the start for the Canadiens. The matchup holds a personal note for Fowler, who spent two years playing collegiate hockey at Boston College. His performance will be critical against a potent Bruins offense.
The game carries significant weight in the standings. Heading into Tuesday's action, the Habs are just two points behind the Detroit Red Wings for first place in the Atlantic Division. Detroit plays the Dallas Stars tonight, meaning the divisional landscape could shift before Montreal even hits the ice in Boston.
Looking Ahead After the Break
Following this game, the Canadiens will enjoy a short holiday respite before returning to action. The team resumes its season on Saturday, December 28, with a road game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
For fans experiencing regional broadcast blackouts on TSN2 or RDS, alternative streaming options are available to ensure they can catch every moment of this and future games. This final pre-break contest offers the Canadiens a chance to build momentum and solidify their position in a highly competitive playoff race.
