{"id":430772,"date":"2026-01-24T18:34:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T18:34:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/430772\/"},"modified":"2026-01-24T18:34:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T18:34:12","slug":"canadiens-make-first-decision-ahead-of-big-game-vs-bruins-as-defensive-changes-loom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/430772\/","title":{"rendered":"Canadiens make first decision ahead of big game vs Bruins as defensive changes loom"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n\t\t\t\t\t \"Dec <\/p>\n

Photo credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

We will get answers sooner than expected, from Martin St-Louis and the Montreal Canadiens, ahead of tonight’s game against the Boston Bruins.<\/p>\n

This morning, Martin St-Louis decided to shake up the routine.<\/p>\n

Before tonight’s game against the Bruins, the Canadiens will hold a mandatory morning skate at 11:30 a.m.<\/p>\n

The timing is perfect for fans, because it will provide concrete clues.<\/p>\n

We’ll be watching the lineup, the starting goaltender, and the much-discussed Jayden Struble versus Arber Xhekaj situation.<\/p>\n

With all the noise surrounding the defense, every little detail will be scrutinized.<\/p>\n

Martin St-Louis calls a morning skate, meaning we’ll have answers to our questions as early as this morning<\/p>\n

We’re really looking forward to seeing the verdict.<\/p>\n

When it comes to Xhekaj, the numbers add weight to the debate. This season, he has played 45 games, recorded 2 points, and accumulated 102 penalty minutes.<\/p>\n

In his career, he already has 210 games, 31 points, and 402 penalty minutes.<\/p>\n

That’s an identity card that matters when you’re playing an emotional game against Boston, and we all know he brings much more during a game than what the numbers show.<\/p>\n

On the other side, Struble has already played 56 games and recorded 13 points last season, after a 56-game, 10-point season the year before.<\/p>\n

So yes, the Habs have options, but this morning will tell us which one Martin St-Louis really wants to use.<\/p>\n

The Canadiens will hold a morning skate at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.<\/p>\n

– Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n

Both teams are separated by just three points in the standings. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. live from TD Garden in Boston.<\/p>\n

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n

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