The Montreal Canadiens (17-12-4) hit the ice against the Chicago Blackhawks (13-14-6) as a part of Thursday's NHL slate, starting at 7 p.m. ET at Bell Centre and broadcast on ESPN+. The Canadiens are 10th in the Eastern Conference and the Blackhawks rank 12th in the Western Conference.
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Canadiens vs. Blackhawks: Dec. 18 Viewing Options
- Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- How to watch on TV: ESPN+
- Location: Montréal, Quebec
- Venue: Bell Centre
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
Canadiens' 2025-26 Stats
| Stat | Per-Game Average | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 3.15 | 12th |
| Goals Allowed | 3.48 | 31st |
| Shots | 25.1 | 29th |
| Shots Allowed | 27.4 | 13th |
| Power Play % | 26.09% | 4th |
| Penalty Kill % | 76.85% | 25th |
Blackhawks' 2025-26 Stats
| Stat | Per-Game Average | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 2.82 | 24th |
| Goals Allowed | 3.00 | 14th |
| Shots | 25.5 | 27th |
| Shots Allowed | 30.2 | 28th |
| Power Play % | 21.28% | 10th |
| Penalty Kill % | 83.93% | 5th |
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Canadiens vs. Blackhawks Top Players
Canadiens
- With nine goals and 28 assists this season, Nicholas Suzuki is one of Montreal's leading contributors (37 points).
- Cole Caufield has 17 goals and 16 assists for Montreal to compile 33 total points (1.0 per game).
- On 57 shots (for five goals) and 23 assists, Lane Hutson has created 28 points this season.
- In 18 games played this season, Jakub Dobes (11-5-2) has given up 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 one of the top contributors for Chicago with 26 total points (0.8 per game), with 16 goals and 10 assists in 30 games.
- Chicago's Andre Burakovsky is among the leaders on the team with 21 total points (eight goals and 13 assists).
- Spencer Knight is 10-8-5 in 23 games this season, conceding 59 goals (2.6 goals against average) with 629 saves and a .914 save percentage (13th in the league).
Canadiens vs. Blackhawks Injury Report
Canadiens
Michael Matheson: Day-To-Day (Undisclosed),
Kirby Dach: Out (Foot),
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
| Date | Opponent | Score | Home/Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/13/2025 | Rangers | L 5-4 | Away |
| 12/14/2025 | Oilers | W 4-1 | Home |
| 12/16/2025 | Flyers | L 4-1 | Home |
| 12/18/2025 | Blackhawks | - | Home |
| 12/20/2025 | Penguins | - | Home |
| 12/21/2025 | Penguins | - | Away |
| 12/23/2025 | Bruins | - | Away |
Blackhawks' Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Score | Home/Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/12/2025 | Blues | L 3-2 | Away |
| 12/13/2025 | Red Wings | L 4-0 | Home |
| 12/16/2025 | Maple Leafs | L 3-2 | Away |
| 12/18/2025 | Canadiens | - | Away |
| 12/20/2025 | Senators | - | Away |
| 12/23/2025 | Flyers | - | Home |
| 12/27/2025 | Stars | - | Away |