The Montreal Canadiens (9-3-2) are set to host the Utah Mammoth (9-5-0), with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET.
Even though the Habs are still the top team in the Atlantic Division, not to mention tied for first in the Eastern Conference, they’re starting to lose a little of the shine that enveloped them in the earliest parts of the season. They’re fresh off a frustrating loss to the New Jersey Devils, not to mention dropping a 4-3 game in the shootout versus the Philadelphia Flyers.
That’s not to say the team is in a free fall, but the lightning does seem to be escaping the bottle to a certain extent.
Nick Suzuki‘s scoring streak came to an end in New Jersey, a healthy reminder that Montreal’s top line won’t be able to keep the team above water for the entirety of the season.
In that vein, there’s been some encouraging play from centre Kirby Dach, as evidenced by his three goals in the last two games. Montreal also received a semblance of offence from the fourth line when Jake Evans scored his first non-empty net goal of the year.
Montreal Canadiens Goaltending
Head coach Martin St-Louis will tap veteran netminder Samuel Montembeault on Saturday, rather than rookie Jakub Dobes.
All things considered, despite the loss against the Devils, which ruined his perfect start to the season, there’s no doubt Dobes has been a key reason why the Canadiens found success in October.
However, St-Louis is adamant that he needs to instill confidence in Montembeault, as the team will need strong performances from both their goalies if they’re to make the playoffs and potentially go on a healthy run.
Montembeault allowed three goals on five shots to start the game versus the Flyers, but he also kept the Canadiens in the game once the second and third periods rolled around, a potential sign that he’s starting to find his rhythm after what can only be considered a very difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign.
He’ll need to be in fine form versus the Mammoth, a team that is currently ranked 9th in goals per game (3.36), and 11th in goals allowed per game (2.86).
Montembeault makes a big save to close out the second period while preserving the one-goal lead.
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) November 5, 2025
He's done a good job settling down after the shaky start. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/gDzurGla7X
Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup
Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkovsky
Zach Bolduc – Kirby Dach – Brendan Gallagher
Alex Newhook – Oliver Kapanen – Ivan Demidov
Josh Anderson – Jake Evans – Joe Veleno
Mike Matheson – Noah Dobson
Jayden Struble – Lane Hutson
Arber Xhekaj – Alexandre Carrier
Samuel Montembeault
Utah Mammoth Projected Lineup
Clayton Keller – Barrett Hayton – Nick Schmaltz
JJ Peterka – Logan Cooley – Dylan Guenther
Lawson Crouse – Jack McBain – Michael Carcone
Kailer Yamamoto – Kevin Stenlund – Brandon Tanev
Mikhail Sergachev – Dmitri Simashev
Nate Schmidt – John Marino
Ian Cole – Olli Maatta
Karel Vejmelka
How To Watch
The Montreal Canadiens versus the Utah Mammoth, Saturday, November 8, 2025, will be aired on City TV, Sportsnet East, and TVA Sports. An instant recap will be available on Sportsnaut shortly after the final whistle blows.
