The Montreal Canadiens (19-12-4) take on the Pittsburgh Penguins (14-11-9) in an Atlantic vs. Metropolitan Division clash at PPG Paints Arena. This marks the second half of a back-to-back series between the two teams, following Montreal’s 4-0 shutout victory over Pittsburgh on December 20 in Montreal. The Canadiens aim to extend their recent success against a Penguins team mired in an eight-game losing streak, while Pittsburgh looks to snap the skid on home ice and salvage some momentum heading into the holiday break. With both teams in the playoff hunt—Montreal holding a wild-card spot and Pittsburgh on the bubble—this matchup could influence the Eastern Conference standings.
Venue Location
The game will be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Opened in 2010, this multi-purpose venue has a hockey seating capacity of 18,387 and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during Penguins home games. It has hosted three Stanley Cup Finals victories for Pittsburgh and features modern amenities like high-definition video boards and premium seating options.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ nationally, with local options including Sportsnet for Canadian viewers and AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh for Penguins fans. Streaming is available via ESPN+ and NHL.tv, while radio coverage can be found on the Penguins Radio Network (WXDX 105.9 FM) and TSN 690 for Montreal.
Injury Report
Both teams are battling significant injuries, with Pittsburgh particularly hampered by key absences in their forward group, exacerbating their losing streak. Montreal, while dealing with depth issues, has managed to stay competitive.
Montreal Canadiens Injuries:
Jake Evans (F): Out with a lower-body injury sustained in the first period of the December 20 game against Pittsburgh after a knee-on-knee collision. He did not travel with the team and is ruled out for this matchup.
Kaiden Guhle (D): Out indefinitely (lower-body injury); placed on long-term injured reserve.
Kirby Dach (C): Out (knee); recently moved to long-term injured reserve, impacting the second-line center position.
Alexander Newhook (C): Out (undisclosed).
Phillip Danault (C): Day-to-day (undisclosed); his status will be a game-time decision, potentially affecting forward depth.
Patrik Laine (F): Expected to be out until at least December 21 (not injury-related, possibly conditioning or other); his high-scoring potential is missed on the wing.
The Canadiens have recalled reinforcements to fill gaps, but their blue line and center depth are tested.
Pittsburgh Penguins Injuries:
Evgeni Malkin (C): Out (upper-body injury); a major blow to the offense, as the veteran star provides playmaking and scoring from the second line.
Blake Lizotte (F): On injured reserve (undisclosed); affects bottom-six energy and penalty killing.
Caleb Jones (D): On injured reserve (lower-body); weakens the defensive corps.
Peyton Kettles (D): Out (undisclosed).
Tanner Howe (LW): Status uncertain (undisclosed).
Pittsburgh’s injury list includes five players, straining their lineup amid the losing streak. Tristan Jarry’s recent form has been shaky, but no new goalie injuries reported.
Player Matchups to Watch
This back-to-back rematch highlights star power against defensive units, with fatigue potentially playing a role after yesterday’s physical game.
Sidney Crosby (PIT) vs. Nick Suzuki (MTL): Crosby, with 19 goals and 16 assists this season, faces off against Suzuki (team-leading points producer for Montreal). Their center matchup in the faceoff circle and neutral zone will dictate puck possession.
Cole Caufield (MTL) vs. Kris Letang (PIT): Caufield’s sniper shot (key in recent wins) tests Letang’s defensive mobility on the Penguins’ top pair.
Erik Karlsson (PIT) vs. Montreal’s Top Line: Karlsson has 2 goals and 8 assists in the last 10 games; he’ll need to generate offense from the blue line against Montreal’s forwards like Josh Anderson.
Jacob Fowler (MTL, G) vs. Pittsburgh’s Power Play: Fowler earned his first NHL shutout on December 20 with 33 saves; he’ll face a Penguins PP led by Crosby, which could exploit any fatigue.
Lane Hutson (MTL) vs. Rickard Rakell (PIT): Hutson’s playmaking (7 points recently) matches up against Rakell’s wing speed, potentially creating transition opportunities.
Special teams could decide the game, with Montreal’s penalty kill strong in the shutout win.
Team Records
Montreal Canadiens: 19-12-4 (42 points), positioned in the Eastern Conference wild-card race with a strong recent push.
Pittsburgh Penguins: 14-11-9 (37 points), struggling in the Metropolitan Division and fighting to stay above .500.
Recent Team Forms
Montreal enters with momentum from back-to-back wins over Pittsburgh, while the Penguins are desperate to end their slide.
Montreal Canadiens (Last 5 Games): The Canadiens have won three of their last five, including shutout victories, averaging 3.2 goals scored and 2.4 allowed. Their form: W-L-W-L-W. Goaltending has been a strength, with Fowler’s debut shutout highlighting defensive improvements.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. Pittsburgh | W 4-0 |
| Dec 18 | @ Opponent | L |
| Dec 16 | vs. Opponent | W |
| Dec 13 | @ Opponent | L |
| Dec 11 | @ Pittsburgh | W 4-2 |
Pittsburgh Penguins (Last 5 Games): The Penguins are on an eight-game losing streak (0-8-0), but the last five: L-L-L-L-L. They’ve averaged just 2.0 goals scored while allowing 4.2, with defensive breakdowns and poor finishing plaguing them.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | @ Montreal | L 0-4 |
| Dec 18 | vs. Opponent | L |
| Dec 16 | vs. Edmonton | L 4-6 |
| Dec 13 | @ Opponent | L |
| Dec 11 | vs. Montreal | L 2-4 |
Series History
The Canadiens hold a historical edge in the all-time series, with 116 wins, 78 losses, 23 ties, and 11 overtime losses for Pittsburgh in 245 total games (regular season and playoffs). In regular-season matchups, Montreal leads 108-72-23-11. Recent trends favor Montreal, who have won the last two meetings (December 11 and 20, 2025), outscoring Pittsburgh 8-2. Pittsburgh dominated in the early 2010s, but Montreal has a 6-4-0 record in the last 10 games. Home teams have won 60% of recent encounters, giving Pittsburgh a slight historical boost.
Game Odds
Montreal Canadiens 6.5
Pittsburgh Penguins – 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 20, 2025
