Can the Montreal Canadiens keep on their winning streak against the Canucks ?
The Vancouver Canucks (18-12-8, 44 points) are set to commence a five-game road trip tonight, facing the Montreal Canadiens (18-18-3, 39 points) at the Bell Centre.
This matchup not only marks their first encounter of the 2024-2025 NHL season but also presents a pivotal moment for both teams as they navigate the mid-season stretch.
The Canucks are looking to rebound after a 3-0 shutout loss to the Nashville Predators on January 3, where goaltender Juuse Saros thwarted all 27 shots.
This defeat added to Vancouver’s recent struggles, with the team securing only two wins in their last eight games. Injuries have plagued the Canucks, leading to lineup adjustments and reliance on depth players.
Conversely, the Canadiens are riding a wave of momentum following a 3-2 comeback victory against the Vegas Golden Knights on December 31, snapping Vegas’s six-game winning streak. Short after, their win against Colorado Avalanche brought Montreal back to a .500 record.
Vancouver’s offense is spearheaded by defenseman Quinn Hughes, who leads the team with 42 points (8 goals, 34 assists). Forwards Conor Garland (10 goals, 19 assists) and Jake DeBrusk (16 goals, 12 assists) have also been instrumental in generating scoring opportunities.
Montreal’s attack is led by captain Nick Suzuki, boasting 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists), and sharpshooter Cole Caufield, who has netted 21 goals this season. Rookie defenseman Lane Hutson has been a revelation, contributing 27 points (2 goals, 25 assists) while averaging over 22 minutes of ice time per game.
Historically, the Canadiens have dominated the head-to-head matchup, winning 98 out of 152 games against the Canucks. However, recent encounters have been more balanced, with Vancouver earning points in eight of their past ten meetings against Montreal, including a season sweep in 2023-2024.
Implications and Outlook
A victory for the Canadiens tonight could propel them past several teams into the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, a position they haven’t occupied this late in the season since their Stanley Cup Final run in 2020-2021. For the Canucks, a win would not only halt their recent skid but also set a positive tone for their challenging road trip.
The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM Eastern Time and will be broadcast on Prime Monday Night Hockey.
Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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