Canadiens confirm multiple changes ahead of tonight's game vs. the Capitals

On Monday, the Canadiens defeated the Vancouver Canucks 6-3 in a game that looked messy for a long stretch.

After two periods, it was 3-3, then the Habs closed the book with a strong third period. The turning point came in the second period, when Alexandre Carrier struck twice in 20 seconds. He scored at 4:31, then again at 4:51, instantly and decisively changing the momentum.

In that context, Noah Dobson's power-play goal may have made the difference.

Dobson scored late in the first period at 18:13, off a pass from Nick Suzuki, and the Habs finally got a clear moment from their special teams. It also set the tone for what followed, as offense continued to come from all over the lineup.

In the third period, Mike Matheson scored at 0:29, then Juraj Slafkovsky followed at 1:07, just 38 seconds later.

Oliver Kapanen added the other Canadiens goal at 6:05, and at that point the game was out of reach. Slafkovsky finished with 1 goal and 2 assists, while Ivan Demidov picked up 3 assists in the win.

So we already have many changes. First, Alexandre Texier and Noah Dobson replaced Ivan Demidov and Lane Hutson on the first power-play unit.

Unexpected changes, but interesting ones.

Another confirmed change is in goal as Samuel Montembeault will be starting tonight against the Capitals.

And finally, it could be confirmed shortly, with the possible return to the lineup of forward Josh Anderson.

If Anderson does indeed return to the lineup, a player like Zachary Bolduc could unfortunately be the one who pays the price.

It's shaping up to be interesting.

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Slafkovsky part of a special moment in his return to the Canadiens' locker room after win vs. Canucks