The long-awaited final game of the season for the Montreal Canadiens is truly upon us. As Martin St-Louis’ squad prepares to face the Carolina Hurricanes in its most important game of the season, here are the lineups.

First, on the Canadiens’ side, reinforcements arrive on offense as young Emil Heineman will finally return to action.

Emil Heineman Joins as Reinforcement and Patrik Laine is Paired with Ivan Demidov

Here are the lines for tonight’s game:

“Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkovsky
Patrik Laine – Alex Newhook – Ivan Demidov
Josh Anderson – Christian Dvorak – Brendan Gallagher
Emil Heineman – Jake Evans – Joel Armia”

Martin St-Louis takes advantage of Heineman’s return to reunite his usual “fourth” line.

“Emil Heineman will return to the lineup. He had been out of action since April 5.
His condition was evaluated daily due to an upper-body injury. Oliver Kapanen will be scratched.”

– Montreal Canadiens

No changes on the defensive pairings.

A Preseason-Style Lineup for the Carolina Hurricanes and Rod Brind’Amour

As for tonight’s visitors at the Bell Centre, the Canes are indeed arriving while leaving out nearly all of their top seven players.

The 7 players absent for the Hurricanes tonight have combined for 119 goals this season (including Jarvis with 32 and Aho with 29).

The Hurricanes scored 259 goals this season.

That means 46% of their total goal production is out of the lineup tonight.

Here’s the projected lineup for the Hurricanes:

“Svechnikov – Kotkaniemi – Hall
Robinson – Jankowski – Roslovic
Carrier – Brind’Amour – Stankoven
Jost – Nadeau

Orlov – Burns
Gostisbehere – Walker
Stillman – Morrow
Fensore”

And Kochetkov in goal!

Enjoy the game!