Renee: Nick Suzuki is out for two to four weeks. The captain is gone, the injury list is longer than a hockey stick, and Montreal has to play Chicago tomorrow night with Jacob Fowler between the pipes again.
Joel: It’s a massive challenge. You lose your primary playmaker and your starting goaltender, and you’re traveling to Chicago to face a team that’s struggling at 3-6. This isn’t just a preview; it’s a survival test.
Renee: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network, where we break down the NHL one game at a time. I’m Renee, and this is your daily Montreal Canadiens show.
Joel: And I’m Joel. We are diving into the upcoming matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 24th. It’s a non-conference road game, which always feels different.
Renee: Here is what we are covering today. First, we’ll look at the matchup angles and why Chicago is a tricky opponent despite their record. Second, we’ll break down the new line combinations with Suzuki sidelined and who steps up in net. And third, we’ll give you our keys to victory and a bold prediction for tomorrow night.
Joel: We also have to talk about the reality of the situation. The Canadiens are 4-3, sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference. They need points, but they need them without their best player.
Renee: Let’s start with the matchup. Chicago is 3-6 in the Central Division. On paper, this looks like a winnable game for Montreal. But remember, they beat us last week? No, wait, San Jose beat us. But Chicago is physical.
Joel: Right. And you can’t underestimate the travel factor. Going from Montreal to Chicago is a long trip, especially when you’re dealing with injuries. The Blackhawks are playing at home, so they’ll be looking to exploit any defensive lapses.
Renee: Exactly. And we saw how fragile the defense was against San Jose. Macklin Celebrini scored his second goal on a power play in overtime. That tells me Chicago might have similar speed on their wings.
Joel: Celebrate that point, Renee, not the loss. But you’re right. The penalty kill was an issue. Against Chicago, if Montreal doesn’t tighten up in the neutral zone, they’re going to get exposed. Chicago likes to cycle the puck hard.
Renee: So the forecheck is key here. If Montreal gets pressure on the puck carriers, they can prevent those easy entries. But without Suzuki, who generates that initial pressure?
Joel: That’s the question. Chris Kreider and Josh Anderson have to be more aggressive along the boards. They’re big bodies. They need to win those battles to create turnovers.
Renee: I agree. And Lane Hutson needs to make smart decisions with the puck. He’s young, he’s talented, but he can’t force plays against a disciplined defensive structure like Chicago’s might try to run.
Joel: Spot on. It’s about discipline over flash. Montreal has to keep it simple. Zone entries through the middle, dump and chase if necessary, but don’t turn it over in your own end.
Renee: We’ll see if they can execute that. Stick with us, because the lineup changes are huge.
Renee: Okay, let’s talk about the roster. Nick Suzuki is out two to four weeks with an upper-body injury. That’s a huge blow. Who is taking over the top center duties?
Joel: It’s likely Phillip Danault or Kirby Dach. Danault brings experience and defensive responsibility. Dach brings size and scoring potential. I think they’ll pair Dach with Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield.
Renee: Caufield is crucial here. He scored two goals in overtime against Buffalo earlier this month. He’s got the ice time, and he’s got the confidence. But can he carry the load without Suzuki’s support?
Joel: He can generate offense, yes. But he needs pucks. Owen Beck and Alex Newhook will be getting more opportunities in the middle six. They need to be ready to contribute offensively.
Renee: And what about the blue line? Joel Matheson is day-to-day. That adds another layer of uncertainty. Arber Xhekaj and Kaiden Guhle are reliable, but they need help.
Joel: Adam Engstrom might see increased minutes. He’s steady. But the biggest story is in net. Sam Montembeault is on injured reserve. Jacob Fowler starts again.
Renee: Fowler had a tough loss to San Jose. Celebrini’s OT winner was brutal. Can Fowler bounce back against Chicago?
Joel: Goaltending is volatile. Fowler is young. He made some good saves against San Jose, but the positioning was off on that OT goal. He needs to stay tall and control the crease.
Renee: Jakub Dobes is the backup, so unless Fowler gets hurt, it’s Fowler. The team has to protect him. Fewer odd-man rushes, better clearing.
Joel: Agreed. And Florian Xhekaj is on IR too, so the physical presence on the left wing is thin. Alexandre Texier might have to step up physically.
Renee: Before we get to our prediction, I want to take a quick moment. If you’ve been enjoying these deep dives into the Canadiens’ struggles and hopes, please consider supporting the show. Your contributions help keep this content free and daily for all of you. Just check the link in the episode description.
Joel: We appreciate every listener who chips in. It means the world to us and helps us keep bringing you this analysis.
Renee: Alright, let’s wrap it up. Our keys to victory: Win the faceoffs, kill penalties effectively, and let Caufield drive the offense. And our prediction?
Joel: I think Montreal wins it. 3-2. Fowler makes a few key stops, and the secondary scoring steps up. It’s a grind, but they get the two points.
Renee: We’ll be back after the game to react. For now, go Habs Go!