Canadiens vs. Ducks: Live Updates and Game Recap

Canadiens and Ducks Battle in California: Live Updates from RDS.ca

Updated March 6, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET. Published March 6, 2026, at 8:15 AM ET. Follow all the action between the Montreal Canadiens and the Anaheim Ducks live on RDS and RDS.ca. With the NHL trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, the Canadiens can refocus on what matters most: the game on the ice.

Second Period Update: Tied at 2-2

The Canadiens continue their California road trip with a visit to the Anaheim Ducks. The game is currently tied 2-2 heading into the second period. Early in the game, the Ducks thought they had taken the lead when Jacob Trouba’s long shot surprised Samuel Montembeault, but the goal was immediately waved off due to a very tight offside call.

First Period Action: Canadiens Take Early Lead

Cutter Gauthier broke the ice just 39 seconds into the game, scoring on a one-timer off a beautiful cross-ice pass from Leo Carlsson. It was Gauthier’s 32nd goal of the season. However, Nick Suzuki quickly responded, tying the game 22 seconds later with his 20th goal of the season. Juraj Slafkovsky, recently back on the first line, earned an assist on the play, along with Cole Caufield.

Lane Hutson gave the Canadiens their first lead at 3:33 of the first period with his 11th goal, capitalizing on a Carlsson penalty. Radko Gudas quickly answered, tying the game with a long shot midway through the first.

Pre-Game Notes & Lineup Changes

Juraj Slafkovsky is back on the first line, reunited with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield during Thursday’s practice. Alex Newhook has taken Slafkovsky’s spot on the second line, playing to the left of Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov. Kirby Dach, after a challenging game against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, is expected to play on the third line with Jake Evans and Zachary Bolduc.

Samuel Montembeault will start in net for the Canadiens. Arber Xhekaj will return to the lineup, with Jayden Struble sitting out.

Head Coach Martin St-Louis stated that the trade deadline day didn’t significantly impact his day, aside from the uncertainty surrounding the lineup in case of trades. “For me, it didn’t really change anything. We had meetings this morning, we prepared for the game. I didn’t know exactly my lineup this morning, I had to wait.” He added, “I went to their offices a few times for updates, but I didn’t spend much time with them.”

Ducks Lineup & News

Recently acquired by the Ducks, defenseman John Carlson will not be in the lineup tonight. Lukas Dostal will be the starting goaltender for Anaheim.

Following this game, the Canadiens will travel to Los Angeles to face the Kings on Saturday evening.

Today’s Matchup

Canadiens Lineup: [Insert Canadiens Lineup Here]

Projected Ducks Lineup: [Insert Ducks Lineup Here]

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