Mike Matheson returns to action this afternoon

Against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, Mike Matheson was violently hit on the head by Brad Marchand.

The defenseman missed the game against the Hurricanes and let's just say his absence was felt, even in victory.

But this afternoon, in St. Louis, he'll be back in action. He'll take Adam Engstrom's place.

Trios warming up for the game against the Blues.
Josh Anderson is out today.

Caufield-Suzuki-Texier
Slafkovsky-Kapanen-Demidov
Bolduc-Danault-Gallagher
Blais-Veleno-Beck

Matheson-Dobson
Hutson-Carrier
Struble-Xhekaj

Fowler@RDSca

– Patrick Friolet (@PFrioletRDS) January 3, 2026

Josh Anderson has less of a chance. He'll miss his first game of the season. Owen Beck will take his place on the fourth line, alongside the two Québécois, Samuel Blais and Joe Veleno.

Remember that Jacob Fowler will be in net against the Blues, who won yesterday.

You know him, you love him, your Habs starter today:

Jacob Fowler pic.twitter.com/CHgNZyFd6D

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 3, 2026

Montreal is aiming for a point in its eighth consecutive game.

Its last regulation-time defeat came on December 16 against the Philadelphia Flyers (4-1).

Overtime

Tomorrow, Martin St-Louis' team has the tough task of facing the Stars at home in Dallas. Fowler won't play two games in a row. It will be between Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes.

Monty played in Florida, Dobes in Carolina. If we follow logic, Monty should be the starter. One thing's for sure: the three-guard rotation (one game each) has to stop.