2025-26 Regular Season, Game 40 Preview: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens

Last Game: The Hurricanes ended 2025 with a very flat performance in Pittsburgh. The Penguins jumped out to an early lead after K'Andre Miller's turnover behind the net ended up as a goal for Sidney Crosby. The Canes were several steps behind, but they started to build a period as it trudged along. All of it came to a halt when Justin Brazeau backhanded one past Frederik Andersen to double the advantage. Before the end of the period, Anthony Mantha added another on the power play, setting in motion a long night for Canes fans. The Penguins scored twice more in the second, with Tommy Novak snapping one from deep and Mantha finishing a beautiful give-and-go. Down 5-0, the Canes finally cracked Stuart Skinner. Mark Jankowski scored 17 seconds after Pittsburgh's fifth goal to break the shutout. Andersen was perfect in the third period, but the offense was stagnant, suffering a 5-1 loss to end the year.

Injury Report

Shayne Gostisbehere: The Canes didn't skate on Wednesday, so it's unclear whether he'll return after missing the last two games with a groin injury.

Seth Jarvis: Out, and not on Canada's Olympic team.

Jaccob Slavin: Out, but likely to make America's Olympic team.

The Opponent: Montreal Canadiens (21-12-6, 48 Points; 3rd in the Atlantic Division)

Last Season's Meetings: The Canadiens finally bested the Hurricanes a year ago, with all three games won by the home team. Samuel Montembeault was perfect in their first encounter, stopping 20 shots in a 4-0 win. Patrik Laine and Nick Suzuki had three points each for the Habs. The Canes got it back a month later. This time, Jackson Blake was the provider of points, recording a three-point game in a 4-1 Canes win in Raleigh. To close the regular season for Montreal, they welcomed the Canes back to town with a chance to clinch a playoff spot. They'd succeed in their mission, winning 4-2 to claim the season series and the final spot in the Eastern Conference.

Since We Last Met: While the Canadiens' experience in the postseason was short-lived, being ousted by the Washington Capitals in five games, it was the first sign that the Habs might be back again. They kept a low profile this offseason. Of course, that was only after adding Noah Dobson before the draft began. They handed out a big extension to Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson. He has responded by becoming one of the most prolific offensive defensemen in the league, sitting third in points and first in assists. Mike Matheson also inked an extension, doing so in late November. Montreal's strength is its ability to put the puck in the net. They're near the top of the league in goals, behind the clutchness of Cole Caufield's 19 goals and Nick Suzuki's two-way brilliance and 44 points. They have a pair of rookies who are tearing it up, too. Ivan Demidov is the current rookie scoring leader (33 points), while Oliver Kapanen is fifth (20). Kapanen owns an edge over Demidov in goals (11-10), which places them second and third, respectively. Sometimes, their push for offense comes at the expense of their defense. They've scored just one more goal than they've allowed (128-127), excluding shootout-deciding goals. Their goalie position has been a small issue, though Jakub Dobes finds ways to win games. A little more consistency in the net could be the missing key.

Stories to Watch

1. Starting the month/year on the right foot

With as crazy as their January could be, tonight's game is a big one for the Hurricanes. They didn't end 2025 on the best of terms, getting pancaked by the Penguins. January is a loaded month for the Canes, especially early. With little margin for error in the Metropolitan Division, there are games the Canes should expect to win. It's not because they're playing inferior opponents. It's because they can't afford to get into a long rut. One prolonged slip could be detrimental.

2. Showing signs of life

Tonight marks the Canes' third game in four nights, and they still have two more games this week. They took Wednesday off after completing a back-to-back, which should provide a helpful reset for the group. With a big weekend ahead of them and their return to home ice tonight, the Canes need to get rolling early. They can't afford another slow start against an offense like this. This is where Brandon Bussi being in the net could prove valuable.