Blues vs Canadiens: Rivalry Renewed in Montreal

Blues vs Canadiens: Rivalry Renewed in Montreal

The NHL's Original Six rivalry gets a modern twist as the St. Louis Blues travel to the Bell Centre to face the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday, December 7, 2025. This game is more than just another matchup; it's the first of two meetings between the teams this season and marks the first time former teammates Logan Mailloux and Zack Bolduc will face off since their blockbuster trade last summer.

The Canadiens enter the game as one of the surprise teams in the Eastern Conference, boasting a 15-9-3 record. Led by the dynamic duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, Montreal has established a fast-paced, puck-moving style that has given opponents fits. The Blues, on the other hand, are fighting for consistency, holding a 10-12-7 record as they navigate a grueling stretch of nine games in 16 days.

The Bolduc-Mailloux Trade: A Tale of Two Seasons

One of the most intriguing storylines of this game is the reunion of Zack Bolduc and Logan Mailloux, who were the centerpiece of a rare one-for-one trade between the teams on July 1, 2025. Bolduc, once a rising star for the Blues, has found his role in Montreal evolving, while Mailloux has had to earn his way back into the Blues lineup after a challenging start to the season.

Zack Bolduc began his Canadiens career with a bang, scoring in his first three games. However, he has since cooled off, with just one goal in his next 18 games. Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis has emphasized that Bolduc, a physical power forward, needs to work on his defensive game and adapt to Montreal's system. Despite the slump, St. Louis remains confident in Bolduc's potential, stating, "He's a great offensive player, and he's got to keep working on his defensive game. It’ll be there."

For Logan Mailloux, the transition to St. Louis has been a learning curve. After a rough start that saw him scratched multiple times, the Blues assigned him to the AHL for a "reset." After finding his footing in Springfield, Mailloux has returned to the NHL and has gradually grown more comfortable. He's now playing on the third defensive pair and even saw power-play time. Head coach Jim Montgomery has praised Mailloux's improved skating and newfound confidence. This game will be a chance for Mailloux to prove his worth against the team that traded him away.

Key Players to Watch

While the trade storyline dominates, the on-ice action will be decided by the players who are performing well for their respective teams.

Jake Neighbours of the Blues has been a bright spot this season. After missing time due to injury, Neighbours has found his scoring touch, potting two goals in his last game and totaling 12 points (8g, 4a) in 17 games. His energy and net-front presence make him a constant threat around the opposing net.

On the Canadiens side, Cole Caufield is on a tear. The 23-year-old winger has 30 points (15g, 15a) in 27 games and is riding a 10-game point streak. With his quick release and offensive instincts, Caufield can single-handedly change a game. He'll be looking to continue his hot streak against a Blues team that has struggled defensively, allowing 3.41 goals per game.

Injuries and Lineup Changes

Both teams will be dealing with key injuries. For the Blues, Jordan Kyrou left Saturday's game with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day. The Canadiens are already without several players, including Kirby Dach, Kaiden Guhle, Patrik Laine, and Alex Newhook. Additionally, Canadiens starting goalie Samuel Montembeault is ill, forcing backup Jakub Dobeš into action in a back-to-back situation.

How to Watch

The game is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT (7:00 PM EST) at the Bell Centre. Fans in the St. Louis area can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, while those in Montreal can watch on TSN2 (English) or RDS (French). The game will also be streamed on ESPN+, TSN+, and RDS.

With both teams having something to prove, expect a fast-paced and physical contest. The Canadiens look to build on their strong start, while the Blues aim to find consistency and climb the standings. It's a game that promises to deliver excitement, both on the ice and off, as the rivalry between these two Original Six franchises continues to evolve.