# EXPECTATIONS: Chris Kreider, Alex Newhook DRIVE Canadiens’ Early INTRIGUE | Opening Week Preview

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-canadiens-daily-podcast-on-the-montreal-canadiens-444785/expectations-chris-kreider-alex-newhook-drive-canadiens-early-intrigue-opening-week-preview
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-canadiens-daily-podcast-on-the-montreal-canadiens-444785/expectations-chris-kreider-alex-newhook-drive-canadiens-early-intrigue-opening-week-preview.md
Podcast: [Locked On Canadiens - Daily Podcast on the Montreal Canadiens](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-canadiens-daily-podcast-on-the-montreal-canadiens-444785)
Published: 2026-09-29T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-canadiens/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/7394b4/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/89bc21bd-170a-47f3-9426-fcea89a4bba1/episodes/16b5bad2-63d0-4e7e-9c9b-f76af8cf5f42/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=89bc21bd-170a-47f3-9426-fcea89a4bba1&awEpisodeId=16b5bad2-63d0-4e7e-9c9b-f76af8cf5f42&feed=sKoAYobd
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Duration seconds: 1894

## Resource

Montreal Canadiens kick off the 2026-27 NHL season with fresh faces and new line combos, but will early chemistry issues shape their run? Ian Boisvert spotlights standout storylines as Chris Kreider joins Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on the top line, while Alex Newhook steps up as second-line center in Oliver Kapanen’s absence. Can Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov ignite Montreal’s attack, and what’s at stake for Kirby Dach as he battles for a roster spot? Ian previews key matchups against the revamped Toronto Maple Leafs and the undermanned Pittsburgh Penguins, breaking down the Canadiens’ power play upgrades under Derek Lalonde and potential goalie rotation between Jakub Dobes and Samuel Montembeault. Questions loom: Will Montreal’s aggressive forecheck rattle Toronto’s off-season additions? How should fans react if opening results defy expectations? Don’t miss this strategic season opener breakdown and forecast of the Canadiens’ path forward.

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## Transcript

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