Follow the preparatory match between the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs starting at 7 p.m. this evening on RDS and RDS.ca.
PREMATCH
The Montreal Canadiens visit the Toronto Maple Leafs this evening for the first of two preparatory duels in as many evenings, which will resume tomorrow at the Bell Centre.
While the Torontonians will send most of their big offensive guns on the ice, with the exception of Auston Matthews who is nursing an upper body injury, the Montrealers will make a little more room for the relief, particularly on defense.
Lane Hutson and Justin Barron will notably make up the first pair, followed by the duos of Jayden Struble and David Reinbacher, as well as Arber Xhekaj and Adam Engström.
On offense, Oliver Kapanen will get a second opportunity to showcase himself, after taking part in the team’s first preseason game.
The Canadian’s training:
Heineman-Dvorak-Newhook
Barré-Boulet-Beck-Kidney
Roy-Kapanen-Armia
Gignac-Tuch-Pezzetta
Hutson-Barron
Struble-Reinbacher
Xhekaj-Engström
Dobes
Hughes
In two preparatory games so far, Montreal has yet to concede a goal, first blanking the Philadelphia Flyers 5-0 on Monday, before disposing of the New Jersey Devils by a score of 3-0 the next day. If the defense excels, the same cannot be said for the power play, which has yet to find the back of the net on eight occasions.
The Leafs lost their first two preseason games, against the Ottawa Senators.
If Matthews will not be in uniform, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and John Tavares will participate in the game, among others.
Former CH captain Max Pacioretty, who obtained a professional trial contract, will also be there. The veteran scored two goals in the Leafs’ 6-5 overtime loss Monday.
Matt Murray and Anthony Stolarz will be the goalkeepers employed by the Toronto club.
