Montreal Canadiens fans hoping for a measure of payback against Brad Marchand will have to wait, as the Florida Panthers forward is not expected to play in Thursday night's rematch at the Bell Centre.
Marchand Avoids Immediate Reckoning
The absence of Brad Marchand from the Panthers' lineup means the anticipated response to his controversial elbow on Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson during their last meeting on December 30 is postponed. In that previous encounter, the Canadiens emerged victorious with a 3-2 overtime win.
Montembeault Gets the Start in Net
Between the pipes for Montreal will be Samuel Montembeault. The goaltender gets the nod after a solid performance from Jacob Fowler against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. Montembeault has reportedly looked like his usual self since completing a conditioning stint.
On the defensive front, the Canadiens are nearing the return of Kaiden Guhle from injury. To make room, the team has assigned defenceman Adam Engstrom to the AHL's Laval Rocket.
How to Catch the Game
The puck is scheduled to drop at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Fans can watch the game on TSN2 and RDS, or listen on TSN Radio 690 and 98.5 FM.
For viewers in Ontario or Western Canada who may face regional blackouts on the primary broadcasts, alternative streaming options are available to ensure they don't miss the action.
