Nick Suzuki paces Montreal Canadiens in pivotal home showdown with Chicago Blackhawks

The Montreal Canadiens prepare for a high-stakes showdown with the Chicago Blackhawks as Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky pace the forward unit. The match will be a tactical showdown, with the Montreal Canadiens being the outright favorite. Much is hoped for the team's win, especially with the puck line at -1.5 (+104). The over/under total is 5.5, and the over is -125, which suggests a shootout.


The Montreal Canadiens will seek to take advantage of home ice tonight, April 14, 2025, when they host the struggling Chicago Blackhawks. With captain Nick Suzuki leading the way, Montreal is coming into this game with a solid projected lineup and plenty of momentum. Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki will begin on the first line with Juraj Slafkovsky, with recently acquired forward Patrik Laine adding punch to the second line and top powerplay unit.
Head coach Martin St. Louis is all-in with a bold and adaptable lineup tonight. The groupings for the forwards start with a high-skilled first line of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky—three forwards renowned for creativity and scoring punch.
Patrik Laine, acquired to boost Montreal’s scoring depth, joins Oliver Kapanen and Alex Newhook on the second line. Laine is also a key presence on the powerplay, part of a deadly five-man unit with Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and rookie defenseman Lane Hutson.
The third line mates grit and vet smarts together with Josh Anderson, Christian Dvorak, and veteran Brendan Gallagher. The fourth line includes the return of Michael Pezzetta, Jake Evans, and Joel Armia—players whose job is supposed to be generating energy and hard forechecking.
On the blue line, Mike Mathesson teams up with Alexandre Carrier, with Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson forming the second pairing. The third pair will consist of Jayden Struble and David Savard. Between the pipes, Sam Montembeault draws the start in goal, supported by Jakub Dobes.

Lane Hutson and Mike Matheson will be the special-teams anchors as Montreal attempts to execute on both sides of the ice against the Chicago Blackhawks.
There are some great options in Montreal's power play lineup. Brendan Gallagher, Oliver Kapanen, Alex Newhook, and Josh Anderson round out the second unit, with Mike Matheson offering stability at the blue line. The Canadiens are banking on this depth to take advantage of a Blackhawks penalty kill that's struggled lately.
Defensively, the penalty kill units are led by Jake Evans and Joel Armia up front, with Kaiden Guhle and Mike Matheson patrolling the back end. Another unit includes Nick Suzuki and Christian Dvorak with defensive anchors David Savard and Alexandre Carrier.
Also read: Lane Hutson, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield set to bounce back as Montreal Canadiens reunite

The Montreal Canadiens have a critical stretch, beginning with tonight's game against the Chicago Blackhawks, as playoff pressure mounts. With their entire lineup healthy and cohesive, the Canadiens are well-positioned to make a strong push in the late stages of the season.