Tonight at the Bell Centre, all eyes are on the Montreal Canadiens as they prepare for a pivotal clash against the surging Buffalo Sabres. With the lineup remaining almost unchanged—except for a new face in goal—fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation about what’s unfolding behind the scenes. Jakub Dobes steps into the spotlight, while Zachary Bolduc, once a second-line hopeful, continues to grind it out on the fourth line, raising questions about his role and future with the team.

But it’s not just about who’s on the ice; it’s about the subtle signals and messages coming from the coaching staff. Martin St-Louis’s cryptic advice to Bolduc—“Play the game”—has sparked debate among insiders. Is this a test of patience, a challenge to rise above limited minutes, or something more? With the Sabres riding a wave of confidence and the Canadiens hungry to bounce back from a narrow defeat, tonight’s matchup is loaded with intrigue.

Will Dobes seize his opportunity and shift the goaltending hierarchy? Can Bolduc make an impact under pressure? The answers may reshape the Canadiens’ season. Dive into the full story to uncover the hidden dynamics and what’s truly at stake tonight.

Zachary Bolduc and Martin St-Louis

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

The Montreal Canadiens are counting on continuity against the Buffalo Sabres with Jakub Dobes in goal and Zachary Bolduc still on the fourth line.

The Montreal Canadiens will make no changes to their lineup for tonight’s matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, except for the starting goalie, of course.

Jakub Dobes will be in goal, as Martin St. Louis confirmed earlier this morning, while Zachary Bolduc will once again be used on the fourth line, alongside Joe Veleno and Owen Beck.

This line, the least used against the New York Rangers on Saturday night, will have a new opportunity to make its mark at the Bell Centre.

Martin St. Louis asks Zachary Bolduc to maintain the same approach no matter what

When asked about Zachary Bolduc’s ice time during a press briefing (27:00), Martin St. Louis sent a message to his young forward:

Interviewer: “Was Zachary Bolduc, by necessity, penalized in terms of ice time?

Are we talking about equal strength? In what way can he be just as effective with more limited playing time?”

Martin St-Louis: “Play the game, play the game that is in front of you, play the game.”

This means that management wants to give the young player time to adapt and learn, without shaking up the offensive combinations too much for now.

It’s worth remembering, however, that Bolduc started the season on the second line.

The Canadiens are in their fourth consecutive home game, a game that will have a festive atmosphere with a country theme.

After a narrow loss against the New York Rangers, the team wants to finish this home stretch on a positive note before a long road trip.

As we reported earlier, Dobes will have the chance to prove that he can establish himself in the NHL, while Samuel Montembeault enjoys a bit of rest.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres arrive with confidence, having won two straight games, including an impressive shutout against the Florida Panthers the day before yesterday.

I sincerely think this game could tell us a lot about the depth of our Habs.

Let the game begin!