Ducks Vs Canadiens at 7 pm ET: Projected lineups, Fowler’s start, and a bounce-back test
ducks vs canadiens takes center stage Sunday night at 7 pm ET, with both clubs coming off Saturday losses and each expected to make notable lineup and goaltending choices.
What Happens When Ducks Vs Canadiens tries to reset after Saturday losses?
Montreal enters after a 4-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks, while Anaheim follows a 2-0 loss at the Ottawa Senators. In both cases, the immediate storyline is response: Sunday’s game offers a quick turnaround opportunity with no extended runway for either side to sit with the result.
For Montreal, the loss came despite goals from Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, with the game described as one where they allowed San Jose over a dozen high-danger scoring chances. Anaheim arrives looking to halt a skid that includes losing its last two matches on the road, with this game framed as the fourth and final contest of a road trip.
What If Jacob Fowler’s start becomes the defining decision?
Montreal is set to start rookie netminder Jacob Fowler. The goaltending decision follows Jakub Dobes playing the previous night and a note that Samuel Montembeault has fallen out of favour. Fowler’s performance baseline is clear: he has a. 906 save percentage in 11 NHL games this year, described as the best result among Montreal goaltenders.
Anaheim’s expected starter is Dostal, with the Ducks holding an optional morning skate after their shutout loss; the note indicates Dostal will likely start after Husso made 27 saves. With both teams seeking a bounce-back, early saves and game flow could put disproportionate weight on the first 10 minutes, especially if fatigue or execution issues carry over from Saturday.
What Happens When lineup changes and debut storylines hit at once?
Projected lineups point to two immediate personnel spotlights: a return and a debut.
Brendan Gallagher is expected to play for Montreal after being a healthy scratch Saturday for the first time since his NHL debut on Jan. 22, 2013. Montreal coach Martin St. Louis said the 33-year-old forward would be back in the lineup, though it remains unknown who he would replace. With Montreal not holding a morning skate, any skater changes are positioned to be confirmed in pregame warm-up.
On Anaheim’s side, John Carlson is set to make his debut with the Ducks. He has not played since Feb. 5, and the context notes he was traded from the Washington Capitals. Sunday will be his first game with Anaheim, arriving as the Ducks continue to search for stability during a road swing that has recently trended the wrong direction.
| Category | Anaheim Ducks | Montreal Canadiens |
|---|---|---|
| Most recent result | 2-0 loss at Ottawa Senators | 4-2 loss vs San Jose Sharks |
| Expected starting goalie | Dostal (likely) | Jacob Fowler (starting) |
| Key lineup note | John Carlson to debut with Anaheim | Brendan Gallagher expected to return after healthy scratch |
| Morning skate note | Optional morning skate held | No morning skate held |
The projected forward lines listed for Anaheim include Chris Kreider — Leo Carlsson — Cutter Gauthier at the top, followed by Mason McTavish — Mikael Granlund — Beckett Sennecke, then Jeffrey Viel — Ryan Poehling — Alex Killorn, and Frank Vatrano — Tim Washe — Jansen Harkins. Anaheim’s injury list includes Troy Terry (upper body) and John Carlson (lower body).
Montreal’s projected top line lists Cole Caufield — Nick Suzuki — Juraj Slafkovsky, then Alex Newhook — Oliver Kapanen — Ivan Demidov, then Zachary Bolduc — Jake Evans — Kirby Dach, and Josh Anderson — Phillip Danault — Brendan Gallagher. Scratched players listed include Arber Xhekaj, Joe Veleno, Alexandre Texier, and Samuel Montembeault.
In a matchup where both teams are explicitly framed as trying to bounce back, ducks vs canadiens may turn on whether Montreal’s planned crease decision and Anaheim’s blue-line addition translate immediately into cleaner execution and fewer costly breakdowns.
