CBJ@MTL: What you need to know

MONTREAL -- The Canadiens (28-38-6) face the Blue Jackets (23-41-7) on Indigenous Celebration Night at the Bell Centre.

BUY TICKETS: Blue Jackets @ Canadiens
Here's everything you need to know heading into the game:
1. The Habs will hold their second Indigenous Celebration Night tonight. Members of various Indigenous organizations and communities in Quebec will be on-site as the richness and diversity of Indigenous cultures is honored. The traditions, languages and skills of these First Peoples will be highlighted as soon as doors open. The starting lineup will be announced in Cree by Dre Bosum, a child from the Eeyou Nation. The national anthem will be performed in French, English and Cree by singer-songwriter Pakesso Mukash from the Whapmagoostui First Nation and also a member of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee. Fans will also be able to hear a live performance by Black Bear, a traditional pow-wow drum group, during the first intermission. Players will also wear special warmup jerseys designed by multidisciplinary artist Meky Ottawa from the Atikamekw Community of Manawan. These unique collectible items are already up for auction at
indigenous.bidandraise.com
, and the public will have until Tuesday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m. to place their bids.
Click here
to learn more about the Indigenous Celebration Night festivities.

2.Head coach Martin St-Louis' contingent put up a valiant effort against the Bruins on Thursday night in a 4-2 loss at TD Garden. Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach scored for Montreal, but Tyler Bertuzzi, Jake DeBrusk, David Pastrnak and David Krejci all managed to solve goaltender Jake Allen to put Boston over the top. Suzuki and Dach also collected one assist apiece, while Allen made 17 saves. The game marked the return of Jake Evans from injury. Evans hadn't played since January 14. The Canadiens have lost 10 of their last 12 games, compiling a 2-8-2 record during that span. Following the contest, the Club announced that Josh Anderson will miss the remainder of the season with a high-ankle sprain sustained in a 3-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.

3.The Blue Jackets earned their second straight overtime victory on Friday night, edging the Islanders 5-4 in Ohio. Boone Jenner tipped a shot just 40 seconds into the extra frame while on the power play to win it. Goaltender Michael Hutchinson made 34 saves for his first win since April 2021 as a member of the Maple Leafs, while Kent Johnson scored a lacrosse-style goal for the home side. Johnny Gaudreau, Liam Foudy and Eric Robinson also scored for Columbus. The Blue Jackets lost forward Mathieu Olivier to an upper-body injury and defenseman Erik Gudbranson to an upper-body injury during the game. Both players are unavailable against the Canadiens. Columbus also announced on Friday that forward Patrik Laine would miss two to four weeks with a triceps strain. Gaudreau leads the club in scoring with 67 points (18 goals, 49 assists) in 69 games.

4. This is the third and final meeting of the season between Columbus and Montreal. The Blue Jackets earned a 6-4 victory on November 17 at Nationwide Arena, before suffering a 3-1 loss just six days later in front of the Blue Jackets' faithful again. Former Blue Jackets defenseman David Savard scored the game-winner in the third period, while Sam Montembeault made 30 saves.

5. Puck drop is 7:00 p.m. ET. You can watch the game on Sportsnet East, CityTV, Bally Sports Ohio and TVA Sports, and listen on the radio on TSN 690 and 98,5 fm.