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Senators could make a lineup change ahead of game vs. Canadiens as things may get heated


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Elias Edmonson
December 2, 2025  (1:59 PM)
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Photo of Canadiens and Senators
Photo credit: Habsfanatics/NHL

As Martin St-Louis and the Montreal Canadiens get ready to face the Ottawa Senators, a physical game is expected.

When you say "a game against the Ottawa Senators," you also say "a game against the always-controversial Nick Cousins," unless?

Nick Cousins won't be in uniform for the Ottawa Senators tonight against the Montreal Canadiens?

The fact that Nick Cousins and the giant Kurtis MacDermid were alternating is causing a lot of chatter.
Here is the projected lineup for the visitors for this Tuesday night matchup:
Tkachuk-Stutzle-Zetterlund

Perron-Cozens-Batherson

Amadio-Pinto-Giroux

Cousins/MacDermid-Eller-Greig

Sanderson-Zub

Kleven-Spence

Matinpalo-Jensen

Gilbert
But anyway, we also notice the uncertain status of Nick Cousins, who had this moment earlier this season.
As for the Montreal Canadiens' lineup, all defensemen, including Xhekaj, Engstrom and Struble, who was on the ice in Brossard today, will be on the ice for warmups and a decision will then be made by Martin St-Louis. But I absolutely expect both Xhekaj brothers to be in uniform for this divisional matchup.

Kurtis MacDermid will play his first game in several weeks, specifically to face the Montreal Canadiens tonight?

It certainly doesn't look like a coincidence, and yes, MacDermid is apparently being inserted into the Senators' lineup for a very specific purpose. To cause trouble! Barring a huge surprise, Kurtis MacDermid will therefore play his first game in a very long time (tonight, with the Senators), while Nick Cousins will be sent to the press box.
"Kurtis MacDermid didn't do any extra this morning, contrary to Nick Cousins."

-Lavoie
Let's also remember what happened between MacDermid and Xhekaj during the most recent matchup between the Canadiens and the Senators.
During his media availability just a few minutes ago, MacDermid had a little message about Arber Xhekaj.
Kurtis MacDermid has a lot of respect for Arber Xhekaj:

"Of course he's one of the best fighters in the NHL.

He wouldn't have come this far or earned that much recognition without that part of his game."
Does MacDermid want to butter up Xhekaj in order to finally be able to drop the gloves with him? I get the feeling it's going to be a big game for a certain Arber Xhekaj tonight!
We'll have the answer in the next few hours.
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DECEMBRE 2   |   547 ANSWERS
Senators could make a lineup change ahead of game vs. Canadiens as things may get heated

Do you believe Arber Xhekaj should be in the lineup tonight?


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