The Montreal Canadiens recently faced the Calgary Flames in an exciting match. The Canadiens struggled in the first period, failing to score but took 14 shots against the Flames’ seven. Alexandre Texier broke the deadlock early in the second period, marking his 100th career point with a wrist shot into the top corner.
Texier played a pivotal role, assisting Lane Hutson’s eighth goal of the season. The young forward scored with a well-executed shot on the reception. Phillip Danault made his first appearance back at the Bell Centre since his acquisition from the Los Angeles Kings on December 20. He contributed to the team effort and secured two assists in their recent victory against the Dallas Stars.
Match Highlights
- Final Score: Canadiens vs. Flames
- Key Scorers: Alexandre Texier, Lane Hutson
- Phillip Danault: Returned to Bell Centre; reached 400 career points.
Danault expressed his excitement about returning home, stating that January 7th was marked on his calendar. He was particularly thrilled to reunite with teammate Brendan Gallagher, emphasizing their chemistry on the ice. Coach Martin St-Louis noted that the newly formed line, which includes Zachary Bolduc, has shown promise. He praised Bolduc’s speed in creating opportunities for the team.
Upcoming Challenges for the Canadiens
Following a successful seven-game road trip where they earned 10 points, the Canadiens will look to maintain the momentum at home. They start a series of four games at the Bell Centre, playing against the Flames, Panthers, Red Wings, and Canucks. The young goalie Jacob Fowler is expected to start. He has a record of 3-2-2 since joining the NHL, with a goals-against average of 2.57 and a save percentage of .903.
Calgary Flames’ Struggles
The Flames, currently at 18-20-4, are desperate to gain traction for a playoff spot after narrowly missing out the previous year. They have struggled against Central Division opponents, losing 11 of their last 15 meetings. Moreover, they have the lowest number of away victories in the league, with only six wins.
Despite bringing in defenseman Zayne Parekh, who recently excelled at the World Junior Championship, he will not join the lineup for the upcoming game. The Flames face pressure to improve their performance in the league and find a way to clinch a postseason spot.
Game Statistics
| Team | Record | Goals Scored/Match | Goals Allowed/Match | Power Play Percentage | Penalty Kill Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadiens | 23-13-6 | 3.31 (7th) | 2.95 (12th) | 23.8% (8th) | 81.3% (12th) |
| Flames | 18-20-4 | 2.62 (29th) | 3.26 (22nd) | 14.5% (32nd) | 77.6% (22nd) |
The upcoming series of games at the Bell Centre will be crucial for the Canadiens as they strive to improve their home record and secure more points. Meanwhile, the Flames will need to rally and overcome their challenges if they hope to turn their season around.
