The Montreal Canadiens are set to face off against the Dallas Stars today at 2:00 PM EST, a mere 22 hours after their recent matchup with the St. Louis Blues. Fans can watch the game on TSN2 or RDS in Canada, and Victory+ in Dallas, with streaming available on ESPN+, RDS, and TSN+.
After suffering a frustrating shutout loss to St. Louis, where the Canadiens struggled for the first two periods before finally coming to life in the third, the players are eager to redeem themselves. In that game, they managed to generate numerous high-quality chances but were unable to convert, leaving them with a sense of frustration. This latest matchup presents an opportunity for the Canadiens to bounce back quickly against a team that previously dominated them.
The Canadiens’ early-season struggles against the Stars included a game in mid-November where Dallas scored seven goals despite only 19 shots. Both of Montreal’s goalies, Jakub Dobeš and Samuel Montembeault, faced challenges during that matchup, which resulted in a disappointing performance for the Canadiens.
Looking at both teams’ statistics, the Stars currently hold a record of 25-9-7, ranking among the top teams in the league, particularly for their offense, which averages over three goals per game. The Canadiens, with a record of 22-13-6, have also shown offensive prowess and depth, with multiple players reaching double-digit goals this season.
The Stars have faced challenges due to injuries to key players like Roope Hintz, Jamie Benn, and Tyler Seguin. Despite these setbacks, they have maintained their strong performance, thanks in part to solid goaltending from Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith. Conversely, the Canadiens have struggled defensively, which will be a crucial factor in today’s game.
For the Canadiens to secure a victory today, a strong start is essential, especially given their previous success in capitalizing on fatigue in their opponents late in the game. This matchup demands that they use their energy wisely and capitalize early to build a cushion, aiming to turn the tide after their previous loss. With a balanced offense and a focus on maintaining defensive integrity, the Canadiens will look to find success and momentum as they continue their season.