Sharks at Canadiens: Matchup Preview and Projected Lineups

The San Jose Sharks face the Montreal Canadiens tonight, October 20, 2026, in an NHL contest scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. As of October 20, 2026, fans are searching for lineup information and injury updates ahead of the puck drop.

Why it is trending now

Interest in the matchup is driven by the release of official projected lineups and injury reports. The game will be broadcast on RDS, TSN2, and NBCSCA as both teams look to improve their early-season standings.

Key facts

• According to NHL.com, the Sharks enter the game with a 4-4-1 record, while the Canadiens hold a 4-3-1 record.
• Alex Nedeljkovic is the likely starter in goal for the Sharks, following Yaroslav Askarov's 29-save performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday.
• Canadiens defenseman Adam Engstrom will return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch in the team's previous win against the Buffalo Sabres.
• Mike Matheson remains sidelined for the Canadiens, marking his fourth straight absence due to injury.
• Other Canadiens players currently listed as injured include Samuel Montembeault, Ivan Demidov, and Florian Xhekaj.

Why this is trending in Canada

This match is trending in Canada as it features the Montreal Canadiens, a major team in the national hockey landscape. Local fans are tracking lineup changes and the recovery status of key players as the team continues its regular-season schedule.

Background and context

The Sharks are coming off a 3-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Canadiens recently secured a 4-3 overtime victory against the Buffalo Sabres on October 17. Both teams are managing various personnel adjustments due to injuries, with several players unavailable for tonight's contest.

What happens next

The teams will take the ice at 7 p.m. ET to finalize their rosters. Following this game, both clubs will look to adjust their strategies based on the outcome and any new injury developments that may arise during play.