CHICAGO - The Canadiens play a rare weekday afternoon contest on Friday in Chicago to wrap up a two-game road trip.
SHOP: Canadiens half-zip sherpa jacket Here's everything you need to know heading into the matchup: 1. The Canadiens arrive in Chicago on the heels of a 3-1 win over the Blue Jackets in Columbus on Wednesday. Montreal scored three unanswered goals to erase a third period deficit and pick up double-digit wins on the season. David Savard and Arber Xhekaj put the Habs ahead - the former with his first of the season - before Sean Monahan sealed the deal with an empty netter. Goaltender Sam Montembeault made 30 saves in the effort.
The Blackhawks are currently in the midst of a five-game losing streak after dropping a 6-4 decision to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday. Seth Jones, Andreas Athanasiou, Connor Murphy and former Habs forward Max Domi all scored for Chicago in the 6-4 loss. Goaltender Petr Mrazek faced 38 shots, making 33 saves to end the night with a .868% save percentage. Hawks head coach Luke Richardson has not yet confirmed whether Mrazek or his counterpart Arvid Soderblom will be between the pipes on Black Friday. 3. On the topic of former teams, Kirby Dach will make a homecoming of sorts when he returns to Chicago for the first time since being traded to Montreal during the 2022 NHL Draft in July. The 21-year-old winger was the Blackhawks' third-overall pick in 2019, and has since cooked up plenty of chemistry (4G-13A-17P) with linemates Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki in La Belle Province. The game will likewise be Richardson's first against the Canadiens since leaving the organization to become the 40th head coach in Blackhawks history in June.
Kirby Dach on Montembeault's game in Columbus
With the early start time, the Canadiens will not hold a morning skate on Friday. Head coach Martin St-Louis will address the media closer to puck drop to share any potential changes to his lineup. Fans can watch the pregame press conference live by following the team on
and Facebook . 5. Game time is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET at the United Center. Catch all the action on TSN2 and RDS, or tune in on the radio on TSN 690 and 98,5 fm.
