How to Watch Canadiens vs. Hurricanes: TV Channels, Start Time and Lineup News
Montreal opens the Bell Centre season against Carolina on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET, without Ivan Demidov. Here is where to watch and who is in the lineup.
The Montreal Canadiens play their first home game of the season on Tuesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes. That is why fans are searching for TV listings and lineup news. The game is a rematch of last spring's Eastern Conference Final, which Carolina ended after five games.
How to watch
In the Canadiens' home region, English-language coverage is on TSN2 and French-language coverage is on RDS. In the Hurricanes' region, the game is on the Hurricanes Hockey Network.
Streaming options listed for the game are ESPN+, RDS and TSN+. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. EDT, which is 4:00 p.m. PDT.
Lineup and injury news
The biggest absence is Demidov, who is expected to miss two to four weeks. The forward had a goal and an assist in 16:03 of ice time in Saturday's 6-5 overtime loss at Pittsburgh. He was also one of Montreal's best performers against Carolina in the playoff series.
NHL.com also lists defenseman Kaiden Guhle (adductor) and forward Oliver Kapanen (lower body) as injured. Before the news came out, TSN reported that coach Martin St. Louis had not confirmed whether Kapanen would play. Defenseman Valimaki was recalled from Chicago of the American Hockey League on Monday.
Xhekaj steps in for his first game of the season. One preview suggests the Hurricanes series helped him make the team in the first place. TSN says St. Louis believes the club has the depth to absorb Demidov's absence.
Why this game has extra spice
Montreal opened the season by taking three of a possible four points on the road. The home opener is always a big event, as the Bell Centre is described as the loudest building in the NHL.
The Habs spent the summer trying to deal better with Carolina, which went on to win the Stanley Cup without ever facing elimination. They drafted big players and added Chris Kreider's net-front presence. They also said openly that they wanted to copy parts of the style the Hurricanes used against them.
What it means for you
If you are in Canada, set TSN2 for English or RDS for French, or use TSN+ or RDS to stream. Check the lineups closer to puck drop, because the Kapanen and second-line situation was unconfirmed in the sources. Demidov's absence covers a stretch with some big conference and divisional games, so his injury could matter beyond Tuesday.
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Quick answers
What time does Canadiens vs. Hurricanes start?
Puck drop is 7:00 p.m. EDT, which is 4:00 p.m. PDT, on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Is Ivan Demidov playing tonight?
No. He is expected to be out two to four weeks with a lower-body injury, and Florian Xhekaj is set to take a place in the lineup.
Which channel shows the game in Canada?
TSN2 has the English broadcast and RDS has the French one. TSN+ and RDS are listed as streaming options.
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