The Montreal Canadiens are beginning to look like a team that is becoming increasingly comfortable with its identity. A strong run of results has pushed them into the upper portion of the Atlantic Division standings, while several young players are making important contributions at both ends of the ice.
Montreal enters the week with plenty of momentum following a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. The win extended the Canadiens’ point streak to 10 games and continued an impressive stretch of hockey under head coach Martin St. Louis.
However, there are still questions surrounding the club’s injury situation, particularly with promising forward Ivan Demidov sidelined. With three important games on the schedule, Montreal will have an opportunity to demonstrate that its recent success can be sustained against a challenging mix of opponents.
Here are some key storylines to watch and the Montreal Canadiens’ upcoming schedule for the week of Nov. 8-15, 2026.
Montreal Establishes Itself in the Atlantic Division
The Canadiens enter the week with an 11-3-3 record, good for 25 points and second place in the Atlantic Division.
Their recent run has been particularly encouraging. Montreal has collected points in 10 consecutive games, demonstrating an ability to find different ways to win. The club has also shown resilience, responding positively after difficult stretches within individual games.
Saturday’s victory in Toronto provided another example. The Canadiens built a 3-0 lead before the Maple Leafs scored twice early in the third period. Rather than allowing the momentum to completely shift, Montreal regrouped and restored its two-goal advantage through Zachary Bolduc’s power-play goal.
The challenge now is maintaining that level of composure as the schedule becomes more demanding.
Fowler’s Emergence as a Top-Tier Goalie
One of the most interesting developments surrounding the Canadiens has been the emergence of rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler.
The 21-year-old delivered another impressive performance against Toronto, stopping 26 shots to secure his eighth victory of the season. He has become an increasingly important part of Montreal’s recent success, providing dependable goaltending while the organization manages injuries at the position.
Fowler’s ability to remain composed under pressure is particularly encouraging. Against Toronto, the Maple Leafs made a determined third-period push, but the young netminder settled down and helped Montreal close out the game.
Newhook and Kreider Provide Offensive Support
While Fowler has attracted attention in goal, Montreal’s offensive depth has also been an important factor in its recent success.
Alex Newhook was particularly effective against Toronto, scoring twice in the opening period. His ability to contribute offensively gives St. Louis another option beyond the team’s established offensive leaders.
Chris Kreider has also provided valuable veteran experience since joining the Canadiens. His second-period breakaway goal against Toronto demonstrated the type of finishing ability Montreal hoped to add when bringing him into the lineup.
Nick Suzuki’s return is another significant development. The captain was back in action Nov. 5 after missing time with an upper-body injury. His presence provides Montreal with its most important offensive playmaker and a stabilizing influence down the middle.
The Canadiens will need continued contributions from Newhook, Kreider, Suzuki and their supporting cast as they face increasingly difficult competition.
Demidov and Matheson Remain Important Absences
Montreal’s injury situation remains worth monitoring heading into the new week.
The most notable absence is Ivan Demidov, who is dealing with an ankle injury. He was placed on injured reserve and was expected to remain unavailable until at least Nov. 14. His potential return would provide another offensive option, although the Canadiens will want to ensure he is fully recovered before bringing him back.
Defenceman Mike Matheson is also dealing with a lower-body injury. His projected return date is around Nov. 14, making his availability for the Colorado game something to watch. His absence leaves Montreal without an important puck-moving presence on the back end.
Goaltender Samuel Montembeault has been dealing with a lower-body injury as well. His status will be important to monitor, particularly with Fowler carrying a substantial workload.
There is better news regarding Suzuki, who returned Nov. 5, and Kirby Dach, who also rejoined the lineup after missing two games. Josh Anderson was listed as day-to-day for personal reasons on Nov. 8, rather than with a reported physical injury.
Canadiens Upcoming Schedule
The Canadiens have three games scheduled this week, including two important home dates at the Bell Centre.
DateOpponentLocationTime (ET)Tuesday, Nov. 10Minnesota WildHome7:00 p.m.Thursday, Nov. 12Boston BruinsAway7:00 p.m.Saturday, Nov. 14Colorado AvalancheHome7:00 p.m.
Minnesota provides a challenging opponent to open the week. The Canadiens will need to establish their forecheck early and avoid giving the Wild opportunities to dictate the pace. Protecting home ice will be important.
The trip to Boston brings another Atlantic Division matchup. Games against divisional opponents carry additional importance as the standings begin to take shape. Montreal will need disciplined defensive play and reliable goaltending at TD Garden.
Colorado represents perhaps the most demanding matchup of the week. The Avalanche have the offensive talent to punish defensive mistakes, making Montreal’s transition game and defensive coverage particularly important. This could also be a significant date for potential returns by Demidov and Matheson, depending on their recovery progress.
Can the Habs Keep Their Momentum Going?
The Canadiens have put themselves in an encouraging position through the opening portion of the 2026-27 season. Their 11-3-3 record reflects a team that has found ways to collect points, even when games have not unfolded according to plan.
Fowler’s development, Newhook’s offensive contributions and Suzuki’s return are all positive developments. Meanwhile, the eventual returns of Demidov and Matheson could provide additional depth as the season progresses.
The biggest question is whether Montreal can maintain its consistency against stronger opposition. The upcoming games against Minnesota, Boston and Colorado should provide a useful indication of where the Canadiens stand.
For now, the Habs are playing competitive hockey, receiving contributions throughout the lineup and building confidence. If they can continue getting dependable goaltending while gradually getting healthier, there is plenty of reason for optimism in Montreal.
AI tools were used to support the creation or distribution of this content, however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of The Hockey Writers editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.
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