The bigger issue for Montreal is the blue line. Kaiden Guhle is on injured reserve with a groin injury. Alexandre Carrier left the Pittsburgh game after a bad fall, and the club hasn't said what the injury is. He's listed day-to-day. Carrier has played on Lane Hutson's pair since opening night, and if he can't go, Adam Engstrom is the likely call-up into the lineup. Carolina is shorthanded too. Seth Jarvis is on the injured non-roster list with a shoulder injury, and Alexander Nikishin is out on defense.
Jarvis being out is a real hit to Carolina's scoring. The Hurricanes have 5 goals in 3 games, and 2 of them came from Aho in one night. When Aho was held quiet, against Florida and Washington, the Canes managed 2 goals across 2 home games. Their forecheck should get chances against a Montreal defense missing Guhle and possibly Carrier. They still need someone besides their top center to finish.
For Montreal, it comes down to whether the Pittsburgh game was a fluke or a warning. Giving up 4 goals in a single period is a problem, and the Hurricanes push the pace better than most teams. On the other hand, a team that can score 3 in a 3rd period on the road shouldn't fall apart at home in front of a full Bell Centre. Caufield and Suzuki are scoring, and Hutson will play big minutes no matter who's next to him.
Both teams have Sunday and Monday off, so Carolina gets a break after the back-to-back and Montreal gets a couple of practice days before its first home game. The things to watch Tuesday: Carrier's status at morning skate, who plays with Hutson, and whether Carolina scores from anyone other than Aho.