Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Centre Bell (Bell Centre), Montreal, Quebec
This is a non-conference matchup and the first meeting of the 2026-27 season between the teams. Broadcasts include ALT2/KTVD (Avalanche local), SNE/TVAS (Canadiens regional/French), and ESPN+ in many markets.
Current Records and Recent Form
Avalanche: 11-6-3 (25 points, 3rd in Central). They are scoring at a high clip (around 4.05–4.11 GF/GP, near the top of the league) while allowing about 3.05–3.10 GA/GP. Last 10: roughly 6-2-2. They lost 4-3 in OT at Ottawa on Nov. 12 (after leading late), with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar both exiting early due to lower-body injuries. Prior results included a strong win at Toronto. Road record is mixed (around 4-5-1).
Canadiens: 12-3-4 (28 points, 2nd in Atlantic). Strong overall form with a last-10 mark of about 7-0-3 or 8-0-2 in some tallies; they are hard to beat in regulation lately. Recent results: 5-2 win at Boston (Nov. 12), OT loss to Minnesota (Nov. 10), and wins over Toronto and Utah. Home record sits around 5-2-3. They score ~3.3–3.4 GF/GP and allow ~3.0 GA/GP.
Colorado’s high-octane offense (led by MacKinnon’s production) contrasts with Montreal’s balanced, resilient play and strong recent results under Martin St. Louis.
Injury Reports
Avalanche:
Nathan MacKinnon (C) — day-to-day, lower body (left Nov. 12 game; status for Nov. 14 uncertain but listed DTD with potential return).
Cale Makar (D) — day-to-day, lower body (also exited Nov. 12; DTD).
Josh Manson (D) — IR/LTIR, lower body/ankle (out until late December).
Zachary L’Heureux (LW) — IR/LTIR, upper body (out until ~Nov. 27).
Canadiens:
Ivan Demidov (RW) — IR, ankle/lower body/foot (skating; possible near-term return but listed out/expected around or after this game in some reports).
Samuel Montembeault (G) — IR/day-to-day, lower body (upgraded but still sidelined; expected out or limited).
Chris Kreider (LW) — day-to-day, leg (sustained in Nov. 12 game vs. Boston).
Lucas Condotta (C/F) and Bryce Pickford (D) — IR/undisclosed (longer-term, into late November).
MacKinnon and Makar’s availability is the biggest swing factor for Colorado. Montreal is managing depth issues but has been winning without key pieces at times.
Projected/Current Rosters and Line Combinations
Avalanche projected forwards (subject to MacKinnon status):
Lehkonen – MacKinnon – Necas
Landeskog – Kadri – Roy (or similar)
Schwartz – Nelson – Hughes
Kelly – Svechkov – O’Connor Defense: Toews – Malinski (or Makar if available); Kulak – others; Juulsen/Burns pairings.
Goalie: Mackenzie Blackwood projected/probable (strong recent numbers: ~10-3-1, .901 SV%, 2.63 GAA). Scott Wedgewood is the backup.
Canadiens projected forwards:
Slafkovský – Suzuki – Caufield
Texier/Bolduc – Danault – others
Kreider (if available)/Newhook – Evans – Anderson
Dach/Kapanen lines. Defense: Hutson – Dobson (top pair); Matheson (returned recently) – Guhle; Carrier – Xhekaj.
Goalie: Jacob Fowler projected/probable (strong form: high SV% around .925–.926 in starts, multiple wins). Jakub Dobeš is the other option. edgehalla.com
Special teams: Colorado PP ~22–24% (strong), PK ~78–80%. Montreal PP struggles (~13–15%, near bottom), PK solid (~78%). Faceoffs lean Montreal.
Key Player Matchups
Nathan MacKinnon (COL) vs. Nick Suzuki / Canadiens top defense (Hutson-Dobson): MacKinnon (10 G, 20 A, 30 points in ~19–20 GP) drives Colorado’s attack. If healthy, he tests Montreal’s improved blue line and Suzuki’s two-way play.
Cole Caufield / Juraj Slafkovský (MTL) vs. Colorado defense (Makar/Toews if available): Caufield leads Montreal in goals (~11–12). Slafkovský provides size and skill on the top line. Colorado’s high-end D pair will be key to containing them.
Martin Necas / Artturi Lehkonen (COL) vs. Montreal middle-six and PK: Necas is producing at a high rate (10 G, 14 A range); Lehkonen is a goal-scoring threat and defensive specialist.
Goaltending duel: Blackwood’s experience and volume vs. Fowler’s hot hand and high save percentage. Colorado generates more shots; Montreal has been opportunistic.
Lane Hutson (MTL) vs. Colorado transition game: The young D-man’s mobility and offense will be tested by Colorado’s speed and PP.
Depth and special teams (Colorado’s superior PP) could decide it if star availability is limited.
Series History
Season series is 0-0 (first meeting of 2026-27). Recent prior meetings have been high-scoring or competitive, with both sides capable of blowouts (e.g., past lopsided results in either direction in previous seasons). Overall history favors Colorado in many recent years, but Montreal has been competitive at home.
Betting Trends
Overs have been common for both (Colorado especially on the road/recent games; Montreal home and vs. winning teams). Colorado covers puck lines frequently as underdogs or on the road in stretches. Montreal has been strong with rest/short turnaround and as a slight home favorite lately. Colorado ranks high in over rates; Montreal also sees overs frequently at home.
Colorado’s elite skill (even if slightly compromised) and superior power play edge a high-event game against a hot, well-coached Canadiens side playing at home. If MacKinnon and Makar are limited or out, Montreal’s form and home ice make a 3-2 or 4-3 Canadiens win more likely. Expect a competitive, entertaining contest with special teams and goaltending as swing factors.
Game Odds
Colorado Avalanche 6.5
Montreal Canadiens – 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 13, 2026
