The Los Angeles Kings travel to the Bell Centre on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to face off against the Montreal Canadiens in what promises to be an intriguing interconference matchup. The Canadiens enter this contest riding high atop the Atlantic Division with a 10-3-2 record, while the Kings sit at 7-5-4, looking to build consistency after a rollercoaster start to their campaign. This game carries added intrigue as the Habs haven’t defeated Los Angeles in six years, with their last victory coming on November 9th, 2019.
Beyond the statistics and standings, tonight’s matchup features several compelling storylines, including Joel Armia’s return to Montreal after seven seasons with the Canadiens. Both teams arrive with momentum from recent victories, setting the stage for what should be an entertaining Tuesday night clash at 7:00 PM EST. Let’s break down the projected lineups and key factors that will determine the outcome of this matchup.
Los Angeles Kings vs Montreal Canadiens projected lineup November 11 2025: forward lines analysis
The Kings will roll out a balanced attack featuring Adrian Kempe on the top line alongside Anze Kopitar and Joel Armia. Kempe has been Los Angeles’ most productive player this season, leading the team with 17 points through 16 games. His speed and finishing ability make him a constant threat in transition, and he’ll look to capitalize against a Montreal defense that has shown some vulnerability when opponents generate odd-man rushes.
The second line features Kevin Fiala, Quinton Byfield, and Alex Laferriere, bringing a combination of skill and youth. Fiala shares the team lead with seven goals alongside veteran Corey Perry, making him one of the Kings’ most dangerous offensive weapons. Byfield’s continued development has been a bright spot for Los Angeles this season, and his chemistry with Fiala has created numerous scoring chances.
On the Canadiens side, the top line of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky has been nothing short of spectacular. Suzuki leads Montreal with 20 points, while Caufield has contributed 18 points and has already recorded five multi-goal games in 15 contests this season. Slafkovsky’s physical presence combined with the skill of his linemates creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. The trio will need to exploit Los Angeles’ defensive zone coverage to maintain Montreal’s offensive momentum.
Montreal’s second line features Justin Bolduc, Kirby Dach, and Brendan Gallagher. Dach has been on fire lately, scoring in three consecutive games heading into Tuesday’s contest. His resurgence has provided the Canadiens with a legitimate second scoring threat, taking pressure off the top line. The third line of Alex Newhook, Kasperi Kapanen, and Ivan Demidov adds depth scoring that has contributed to the Habs’ impressive start. Similar to their recent matchup in the Flyers vs Canadiens projected lineup November 4, 2025, the Canadiens are deploying a balanced attack that can roll four lines effectively.
For Los Angeles, the third line of Andrei Kuzmenko, Phillip Danault, and Trevor Moore provides strong two-way play. Danault, a former Canadien, knows this building well and will look to shut down Montreal’s top players when matched against them. The fourth line of Warren Foegele, Alex Turcotte, and Perry brings veteran leadership and playoff experience that could prove valuable in tight game situations.
Los Angeles Kings vs Montreal Canadiens projected lineup November 11 2025: defensive pairings breakdown
The Kings’ defensive corps is anchored by the pairing of Mikey Anderson and Drew Doughty. Doughty remains the quarterback of Los Angeles’ power play and provides leadership on the back end. His experience and hockey IQ make him capable of neutralizing opposing top lines, though his foot speed isn’t what it once was, which could be problematic against Montreal’s quick transition game.
Joel Edmundson and Brandt Clarke form the second pairing for the Kings. Edmundson brings physicality and defensive reliability, while Clarke offers offensive upside and mobility. The third pairing of Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci rounds out a veteran-laden defensive group that prioritizes stability over flash. This group will need to limit Montreal’s odd-man rushes and maintain proper gap control against the Canadiens’ speedy forwards.
Montreal’s blue line features Mike Matheson alongside Noah Dobson on the top pair. Matheson has been instrumental in the Canadiens’ transition game, using his excellent skating ability to join the rush and create scoring chances. Dobson adds a right-handed shot and solid two-way play that complements Matheson’s offensive instincts perfectly.
The second pairing of Jayden Struble and Lane Hutson brings youth and energy. Hutson, despite being a rookie, has shown remarkable poise and offensive creativity, becoming a key component of Montreal’s power play. His ability to quarterback the man advantage has contributed to the Canadiens’ fifth-ranked power play operating at 27.9 percent. The third pairing features Arber Xhekaj and Sam Carrier, providing physicality and defensive reliability in lower-leverage situations.
The Canadiens are without Kaiden Guhle, who remains on injured reserve, and Patrik Laine, who is out for 3-4 months. These absences have forced Montreal to adjust their depth chart, but the team has responded admirably, maintaining their position atop the division standings. The defensive depth they’ve demonstrated echoes what we saw in the Ottawa Senators vs Montreal Canadiens projected lineup for November 1, 2025, where they successfully managed through adversity.
Los Angeles Kings vs Montreal Canadiens projected lineup November 11 2025: goaltending matchup
Darcy Kuemper gets the start for the Kings, bringing a career 6-3-1 record against Montreal with a .897 save percentage and 2.68 goals against average. In last season’s matchup against the Canadiens, Kuemper allowed three goals on 21 shots but still earned the victory in a 6-3 Kings win. His experience and composure make him a reliable option, though his numbers suggest he’s been somewhat vulnerable against Montreal’s offensive attack.
Kuemper’s ability to track the puck through traffic will be tested by a Canadiens team that has been generating quality scoring chances at a high rate. The Kings’ netminder has shown he can steal games when at his best, but he’ll need to be sharp from the opening puck drop to keep Montreal’s potent offense in check. Los Angeles ranks 20th in the NHL in power play efficiency at 17.6 percent, so staying out of the penalty box will be crucial to avoid giving Montreal’s red-hot power play opportunities.
Sam Montembeault draws the assignment for Montreal, getting his second consecutive start after his best performance of the season in Saturday’s 6-2 victory over Utah. Montembeault is beginning to shake off a slow start to the campaign, and the Canadiens are riding his momentum. The decision to start Montembeault over Jakub Dobes, who has impressed in limited action, shows the coaching staff’s confidence in their veteran netminder’s current form.
Montembeault will face a Kings offense that features multiple weapons but has struggled with consistency. Kevin Fiala and Corey Perry each have seven goals to lead Los Angeles, while Kempe’s 17 points pace the team. The Canadiens’ goaltender will need to maintain his recent form and exploit any hesitation in the Kings’ attack. His positioning and rebound control will be critical factors, especially if the game remains close in the third period.
The Over bet has hit in seven consecutive Canadiens games, with both teams combining for six or more goals in each contest. This trend suggests both goaltenders may face significant offensive pressure, making timely saves all the more important for determining the game’s outcome.
Los Angeles Kings vs Montreal Canadiens projected lineup November 11 2025: special teams showdown
The contrast in power play effectiveness between these two teams could be a decisive factor. Montreal’s power play ranks fifth in the NHL at 27.9 percent, while Los Angeles sits 20th at 17.6 percent. This substantial gap means the Canadiens hold a significant advantage if the game features multiple power plays, making discipline crucial for both sides.
Lane Hutson has emerged as a key component of Montreal’s man advantage, using his vision and passing ability to create scoring opportunities. The combination of Caufield’s lethal shot, Suzuki’s playmaking, and Slafkovsky’s net-front presence gives the Canadiens multiple options to attack opposing penalty kills. When Montreal’s power play gets rolling, they can quickly change the complexion of a game with a goal or two in quick succession.
For the Kings, their power play has struggled to generate consistent production. Drew Doughty remains the quarterback, but the unit hasn’t found the same chemistry as previous seasons. The addition of Kempe’s speed and Fiala’s shot provides weapons, but execution has been lacking. Against a Canadiens team that has been excellent at limiting quality chances against, Los Angeles will need crisp puck movement and traffic in front of Montembeault to generate success.
Penalty killing will be equally important for both teams. The Kings must stay disciplined to avoid giving Montreal’s dangerous power play multiple opportunities. Even a single two-man advantage could swing momentum heavily in the Canadiens’ favor given their current form with the man advantage.
The faceoff circle could also play a crucial role in special teams success. Clean wins in the defensive zone help penalty kills clear the puck and kill time, while offensive zone wins on the power play allow teams to set up and create sustained pressure. Kopitar remains one of the league’s best faceoff men, which should give the Kings an advantage in this critical area.
Los Angeles Kings vs Montreal Canadiens projected lineup November 11 2025: key matchups and x-factors
Joel Armia’s return to Montreal provides one of the game’s most compelling storylines. The Finnish forward spent seven seasons with the Canadiens, appearing in 406 regular season games and 36 playoff games, including the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals run. He scored 77 goals and accumulated 149 points in regular season action with Montreal, becoming a reliable two-way forward who could contribute in all situations.
Now wearing Kings colors, Armia will face his former teammates for the first time since departing in free agency. He currently has two goals and seven points in 16 games with Los Angeles, providing depth scoring and penalty killing ability. The emotional element of this reunion could provide extra motivation for Armia, though he’ll need to channel that energy productively against a Montreal team that knows his tendencies well.
Kirby Dach’s recent surge represents another critical factor for Montreal. With goals in three straight games entering Tuesday’s matchup, Dach is finally demonstrating the offensive potential that made him a high draft pick. His production alongside Bolduc and Gallagher has given Montreal a legitimate second scoring line, preventing opponents from loading up against the Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky trio. If Dach continues his hot streak, the Canadiens become exponentially more difficult to defend.
The six-year drought against Los Angeles weighs on the Canadiens’ collective memory. Since their last victory on November 9th, 2019, Montreal has watched the Kings consistently find ways to win these matchups. However, this Canadiens roster bears little resemblance to those previous teams, featuring a much younger and more skilled group that currently sits atop the Atlantic Division. Breaking this losing streak would provide both psychological and practical benefits as Montreal looks to maintain its position in the standings.
According to reports from Inside The Rink, the atmosphere at the Bell Centre should be electric for this Tuesday night matchup. The Canadiens’ strong start has energized their fan base, and the combination of Armia’s return and the opportunity to end the losing streak against Los Angeles adds extra intrigue to what should already be a competitive contest.
Los Angeles Kings vs Montreal Canadiens projected lineup November 11 2025: tactical approaches and strategies
The Kings will likely employ a defensive structure designed to limit Montreal’s transition opportunities. Los Angeles understands that the Canadiens are most dangerous when generating odd-man rushes off the counterattack, so maintaining proper defensive positioning and limiting turnovers in the neutral zone will be paramount. Expect the Kings to collapse low in their defensive zone, forcing Montreal to beat them from the perimeter rather than allowing high-danger chances from the slot.
Coach Todd McLellan will likely emphasize getting pucks deep and establishing a forecheck that prevents Montreal’s defensemen from easily joining the rush. By pinning the Canadiens in their own zone and winning puck battles along the wall, Los Angeles can limit the offensive opportunities for Suzuki, Caufield, and company. The physicality of players like Edmundson and Perry could become factors if the game turns into a grinding, heavy contest.
Montreal’s approach should focus on exploiting their speed advantage and capitalizing on the power play if opportunities arise. Coach Martin St. Louis will want his team to maintain their aggressive offensive mentality while not exposing themselves defensively. The Canadiens have thrived by creating multiple waves of pressure, using all four lines to wear down opponents over the course of 60 minutes.
The breakout will be crucial for Montreal. Quick, clean exits from the defensive zone allow the Canadiens to attack with speed before the Kings can establish their defensive structure. Matheson and Hutson are both capable of making that first pass that springs forwards into open ice, but they’ll need protection from the Kings’ forecheck to execute effectively.
Possession time and shot volume will likely favor Montreal given their home ice advantage and superior offensive firepower. However, the Kings have proven capable of winning games despite being outshot by playing sound defensive hockey and capitalizing on limited chances. The Sick Podcast noted that the Canadiens need to focus on getting more shots on goal rather than looking for perfect opportunities, a trend that has limited their offense at times despite strong possession numbers.
Special teams will likely determine the outcome if the game is close in the final period. Montreal’s ability to convert on the power play versus Los Angeles’ discipline will be a key storyline throughout the evening. One or two power play goals could easily be the difference between victory and defeat.
The matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens on November 11, 2025, features two teams heading in different directions. Montreal’s hot start has them positioned as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference, while Los Angeles continues searching for the consistency that defined their better seasons. With puck drop set for 7:00 PM EST at the Bell Centre, this Tuesday night matchup promises compelling hockey and the resolution of multiple intriguing storylines, from Armia’s emotional return to Montreal’s quest to end their six-year winless drought against Los Angeles.
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.