Montreal’s 2C, Oliver Kapanen, is sidelined already, kicking off the season with a major hit to their center depth. The Canadiens are heading into Scotiabank Arena at 7:00 PM facing the Toronto Maple Leafs, and it’s not the fresh start they wanted with a key piece missing right out of the gate.
Canadiens Roll Out Their Lines With a Hole in the Middle
Despite Kapanen’s absence, Montreal’s lines are set and ready to hit the ice. Up front, you’ve got Chris Kreider centering Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Juraj Slafkovsky, Alex Newhook, and Ivan Demidov form the second line. Alexandre Texier, Phillip Danault, and Kirby Dach are next, followed by Zack Bolduc, Jake Evans, and Josh Anderson. On defense, Mike Matheson pairs with Noah Dobson, Lane Hutson with Alexandre Carrier, and Jayden Struble with Arber Xhekaj. Jakub Dobes is slated to start in net, backed up by Sam Montembeault. That’s a solid group, but losing your 2C before the puck even drops is a tough pill to swallow.
The Maple Leafs Are a Whole New Beast
Honestly, who *are* these guys? The Maple Leafs are rolling out a squad that’s got us all scratching our heads. After an optional morning skate, Kirill Marchenko’s visa status is still up in the air for game time. If he can’t play, expect Bo Groulx to draw in, and Nick Paul or Easton Cowan could move up.
Here’s the projected lineup: Jack Roslovic (96) centers Auston Matthews (34) and William Nylander (88). Gavin McKenna (92) is with John Tavares (91) and Kirill Marchenko (86) , assuming he plays. Easton Cowan (53) is between Nick Paul (20) and Colton Sissons (15). The fourth line features Brandon Duhaime (24), Teddy Blueger (73), and Zack MacEwen (19), with Bo Groulx (29) as an extra. On defense, Morgan Rielly (44) pairs with Darren Raddysh (43), Jake McCabe (22) with Chris Tanev (8), and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (95) with Troy Stecher (28). Anthony Stolarz (41) is getting the start in goal, with Sergei Bobrovsky (72) backing him up. Talk about a completely different look!
Everyone starts at zero, no standings, no ranking, just raw hockey. The Maple Leafs are a total wild card, and nobody’s willing to predict what this new beast will do. All we can ask is that they play with the same fire as their last preseason game. It’s the opener, and getting that first win against a divisional rival, especially one that’s hurting, would be huge for setting the tone. Go Leafs Go!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pension Plan Puppets.
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