What Happened
Montreal Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson is expected back in the lineup Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels. Matheson has been out for four games with a lower-body injury. He will replace Adam Engstrom in the lineup. In the same game, Jacob Fowler will start in net for Montreal.
Key Details
- Matheson missed four games with a lower-body injury.
- He led the Canadiens in time on ice and had one assist in five games before the injury.
- Matheson has topped 30 points in each season with Montreal since 2022-23, including 62 in 2023-24.
- The 32-year-old takes Adam Engstrom's spot in the lineup.
- Jacob Fowler starts in goal; he has a 2.16 GAA and .900 save percentage in four starts (3-1-0).
- Fowler has taken the No. 1 job from Jakub Dobes.
What It Means
Matheson's return restores a defenceman who logged the heaviest minutes on Montreal's blue line before the injury, and his history of 30-plus point seasons gives the Canadiens more offence from the back end. In goal, Fowler's four starts and 3-1-0 record have moved him ahead of Jakub Dobes in the crease.
What's Next
Matheson is set to play Friday against Chicago, with Fowler starting in goal. His workload and pairing will be worth watching after the four-game absence.