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Canadiens Preview: Red Hot Fowler Starts, Suzuki Not Ready Yet
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- Canadiens Preview: Red Hot Fowler Starts, Suzuki Not Ready Yet
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Montreal Canadiens (9-3-2) host the Winnipeg Jets (4-8-3) on Tuesday night, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET.
The Habs will be aiming for their sixth straight win at the 2026 Heritage Classic, a streak that already includes a 2-1 victory over the Jets. Given the outdoor setting, the ice quality left something to be desired, as did the overall quality of play. Regardless, the Jets managed to put 34 shots on net, 33 of which were saved by outstanding rookie netminder Jacob Fowler.
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There's no doubt about it: Fowler has been the most valuable player in captain Nick Suzuki's absence. Not only has he provided a stabilizing presence in net, boosting confidence throughout the lineup, but he has also quickly established himself as one of the league's top goaltenders. This has sparked discussion about his Calder Trophy candidacy as well as NHL Rookie of the Month honours. Fowler currently sports an 8-1-1 record, a 1.84 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage, and he has not lost a game since his first start of the season on October 8.
Seeing as the Canadiens are on a five game winning streak, head coach Martin St-Louis has opted not to change his lineup, beyond confirming that Fowler will replace Jakub Dobes in the net.
There was some indication that Suzuki may be ready to return from injury earlier than expected, as he was spotted taking part in Monday morning's drills alongside his usual first-line linemates Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield. However, there is absolutely no rush to get him back in the lineup, given the team's remarkable ability to grind out wins without their captain . It should also be noted that Kirby Dach is still dealing with an illness and will not be available on Tuesday night.
As a result, Newfoundlander Alex Newhook will once again anchor the top line, just one game removed from his best outing of the season. That performance featured a pair of goals from the temporary first-line centre, along with two goals from Caufield, in a 5-2 win over the Dallas Stars.
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On Saturday the first line struggled, but as has been the case all season, a different trio stepped up. Josh Anderson scored twice to secure a hard-fought 5-4 win against the ageless Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Encouragingly, Oliver Kapanen, now serving as the fourth-line centre, scored his first goal of the year against the Penguins, while Chris Kreider and Alexandre Texier found the back of the net for the second time this season. For the most part the offence will run through the first line, but if the Canadiens hope to become legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, all four lines must be able to contribute offence on any given night.
Alexandre Texier redonne les devants au CH! https://t.co/vQ1mNVm21v
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) November 1, 2026
Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup
Cole Caufield – Alex Newhook – Juraj Slafkovsky
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Zach Bolduc – Phillip Danault – Alexandre Texier
Chris Kreider- Jake Evans – Josh Anderson
Owen Beck – Oliver Kapanen – Florian Xhekaj
Lane Hutson – Noah Dobson
Kaiden Guhle – Alexandre Carrier
Arber Xhekaj – Adam Engstrom
Jacob Fowler
Winnipeg Jets Projected Lineup
Gabriel Vilardi – Mark Scheifele – Cole Perfetti
Alex Iafallo – Isak Rosén – Adam Lowry
Kyle Connor – Viggo Bjorck – Dawson Mercer
Cole Koepke – Morgan Barron – Tyrel Bauer
Dylan Samberg – Neal Pionk
Mario Ferraro – Dylan DeMelo
Haydn Fleury – Elias Salomonsson
Nico Daws
Canadiens vs. Jets – How To Watch
The Montreal Canadiens versus the Winnipeg Jets, Tuesday, November 3, will be aired on TSN2, TSN3, and RDS. An instant recap complete with highlights will immediately be available on Sportsnaut once the final whistle blows.
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