The Montreal Canadiens will play Thursday's home game against the Philadelphia Flyers in a closed setting without fans. In a statement posted less than two hours before puck drop, the Canadiens said Quebec public health officials requested they do so to slow the spread of COVID-19.  

Montreal accepted the officials' request "to help ensure the safety and security of our fans and fellow citizens throughout our community." The team has also "obtained assurances" of it being able to return to partial capacity by January. 

The Canadiens announced they will update the status of Saturday's game against the Boston Bruins on Friday.