Need to Know: Bruins at Canadiens

MONTREAL - The Bruins are once again North of the border for a Monday night battle with the Habs, their first visit to Montreal since Nov. 26, 2019.
"It's Boston vs. Montreal, it's the best rivalry in my estimation in sports," said coach Bruce Cassidy after morning skate at the Bell Centre.
Here's everything else you need to know ahead of the 7 p.m. ET puck drop on NESN and 98.5 The Sports Hub:

Studnicka A Game-Time Decision

Jack Studnicka is a game-time decision for the Bruins, although he took part fully in the morning skate. "He looked good out there, he should be good to go, but we will decide after warmup. But, yes, it's looking positive for him," Cassidy.
This will be Studnicka's 12th game this season since getting the call up from Providence. He picked up an assist in the B's win over Winnipeg on Friday night.

Third Line Still Surging

As for how Cassidy thinks things are going with the third line, he is particularly impressed by Trent Frederic's growth. "He's playing to his strengths," said Cassidy. "I don't think he did as much at the start, I think that's part of going from center to the wing so he's had to adjust to that."
The entire line has been impressive as of late, with Craig Smith having eight goals in his last eight games, Charlie Coyle stepping up big having three assists in the B's win in Winnipeg, and Frederic coming into his own. "They are all shooting the puck and playing off the shot," said Cassidy. "The whole line is doing a better job in the past two or three weeks in that area and all three have them have worked hard to get in front of the net," said Cassidy. "It's made them a handful to play against."

Bergeron Remains Out

The B's are still without their Captain Patrice Bergeron, who took the ice for a solo skate in Boston on Monday morning. He could return to game action as soon as Thursday when the Bruins are back at TD Garden to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"He skated today, he's moving along. He'll be fine," said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney.

Opposing View

Montreal, which stands at 17-36-9 this season, will be without winger
Brendan Gallagher
who is out with a non-COVID related illness. The Bruins had a 5-1 win over the Habs back in January at the TD Garden, where Brad Marchand had the hats flying onto the ice at the end of the second period.

Monday's Projected Lineup

FORWARDS
Brad Marchand - Jack Studnicka - Jake DeBrusk
Taylor Hall - Erik Haula - David Pastrnak
Trent Frederic - Charlie Coyle - Craig Smith
Nick Foligno - Tomas Nosek - Curtis Lazar
DEFENSEMEN
Mike Reilly - Charlie McAvoy
Matt Grzelcyk - Brandon Carlo
Derek Forbort - Connor Clifton
GOALIES
Jeremy Swayman
Linus Ullmark