Who is likely to start in goal for the Lightning?
With Andrei Vasilevskiy on injured reserve, either Jonas Johansson or Brandon Halverson is expected to start.
Yanuki
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Canadiens vs. Lightning: Game Preview and Projected Lineups (Dec 9, 2025) | Japan vs. Czechia: A World Baseball Classic Celebration of Global Baseball | FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw: Man City vs. Liverpool Headlines | Mikal Bridges Struggles with Inconsistency, Plagued by Foul Trouble | Nazar's PPG Wins It in Overtime: Blackhawks Beat Mammoth | Pacers-Clippers Trade: Mathurin and Zubac's Impact | Troy Wins Sun Belt Tournament, Earns NCAA Berth | RMU Men's Hockey Advances to AHA Semifinals After Tense Series | Oregon State Basketball: The End of the Wayne Tinkle Era | Canadiens vs. Lightning: Game Preview and Projected Lineups (Dec 9, 2025) | Japan vs. Czechia: A World Baseball Classic Celebration of Global Baseball | FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw: Man City vs. Liverpool Headlines | Mikal Bridges Struggles with Inconsistency, Plagued by Foul Trouble | Nazar's PPG Wins It in Overtime: Blackhawks Beat Mammoth | Pacers-Clippers Trade: Mathurin and Zubac's Impact | Troy Wins Sun Belt Tournament, Earns NCAA Berth | RMU Men's Hockey Advances to AHA Semifinals After Tense Series | Oregon State Basketball: The End of the Wayne Tinkle Era
Sports / Hockey
Canadiens vs. Lightning: Game Preview and Projected Lineups (Dec 9, 2025)
The Montreal Canadiens host the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. Both teams are looking to improve after recent struggles. The Canadiens aim to rebound from a loss to the Blues, while the Lightning seek to end a four-...
Key Insights
- The Lightning have struggled offensively, being shut out in their last two games.
- Andrei Vasilevskiy is on injured reserve, likely leading to either Jonas Johansson or Brandon Halverson starting for Tampa Bay.
- Jakub Dobes is expected to start his third consecutive game for the Canadiens, solidifying his position as the team's current preferred goalie.
- Montreal needs more offensive contribution from their bottom-six forwards, as players like Jake Evans, Brendan Gallagher, Joe Veleno, and Josh Anderson have struggled to generate offense in December.
- Tampa Bay's defense remains strong, ranking fifth-best in the NHL, which compensates for their offensive slump.
In-Depth Analysis
The Canadiens (15-10-3) face a Lightning (16-11-2) team dealing with inconsistent performance and key injuries. Tampa Bay, after a strong start, has faltered, while Montreal seeks more consistent scoring depth. Key stats to watch: Montreal's expected goal share (22nd) vs. Tampa Bay's (3rd), and Tampa Bay's strong PK% (1st) vs Montreal's struggling PK% (25th).
**Projected Lineups:**
**Canadiens:** Cole Caufield -- Nick Suzuki -- Juraj Slafkovsky Alexandre Texier -- Oliver Kapanen -- Ivan Demidov Josh Anderson -- Jake Evans -- Brendan Gallagher Jared Davidson -- Joe Veleno -- Zachary Bolduc Mike Matheson -- Noah Dobson Jayden Struble -- Lane Hutson Arber Xhekaj -- Alexandre Carrier Jakub Dobes
**Lightning:** Brandon Hagel -- Anthony Cirelli -- Nikita Kucherov Jake Guentzel -- Brayden Point -- Nick Paul Zemgus Girgensons -- Yanni Gourde -- Pontus Holmberg Gage Goncalves -- Jack Finley -- Oliver Bjorkstrand Victor Hedman -- Max Crozier J.J. Moser -- Darren Raddysh Charle-Edouard D’Astous -- Emil Lilleberg Brandon Halverson
FAQ
Which Canadiens players need to improve their offensive output?
Jake Evans, Brendan Gallagher, Joe Veleno, and Josh Anderson need to contribute more offensively.
Takeaways
- The Lightning's offensive struggles and goalie situation make them vulnerable.
- The Canadiens need improved scoring depth to support their top players.
- Pay attention to the goaltending matchup, as Jakub Dobes looks to solidify his role for Montreal.
Discussion
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Sources
Disclaimer
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