NHL play on Thursday features the Montreal Canadiens (17-12-4) hosting the Chicago Blackhawks (13-14-6) at Bell Centre, starting at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The Canadiens rank eighth in the Eastern Conference and the Blackhawks are 11th in the Western Conference.

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Canadiens vs. Blackhawks: Dec. 18 Viewing Options

Canadiens’ 2025-26 Stats

Blackhawks’ 2025-26 Stats

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Canadiens vs. Blackhawks Top Players

Canadiens

Nicholas Suzuki has been critical to Montreal’s offense this season, registering 37 points in 33 games.
Cole Caufield has 33 points (17 goals, 16 assists) to add to the team’s offensive efforts.
Montreal’s offensive effort is aided by Lane Hutson’s 33 points. He’s contributed 23 assists.
In 18 games played this season, Jakub Dobes (11-5-2) has allowed 51 goals.
Blackhawks

Connor Bedard’s 19 goals and 24 assists in 31 games for Chicago add up to 43 total points on the season.
Tyler Bertuzzi is a top offensive contributor for Chicago with 26 total points this season. He has scored 16 goals and added 10 assists in 30 games.
Andre Burakovsky has posted eight goals on the season, adding 13 assists.
Spencer Knight is 10-8-5 on the season, giving up 59 goals (2.6 goals against average) and amassing 629 saves with a .914 save percentage (13th in the league).
Canadiens vs. Blackhawks Injury Report

Canadiens

Kirby Dach: Out (Foot),

Michael Matheson: Day-To-Day (Undisclosed),

Kaiden Guhle: Out (Lower Body),

Alexander Newhook: Out (Ankle),

Patrik Laine: Out (Abdomen)

Blackhawks

Connor Bedard: Out (Shoulder),

Nick Foligno: Out (Hand),

Shea Michael Weber: Out For Season (Ankle)

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Canadiens’ Schedule