Last Sunday, the Montreal Canadiens faced a challenging situation. After leading against the Boston Bruins, swift goals from their rivals turned a potential victory into a frustrating loss. Following two consecutive wins, the Canadiens had only managed three victories in their last eight games (3-4-1). This slump allowed the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings to extend their leads in the Atlantic Division standings. Additionally, the Buffalo Sabres and Bruins caught up in the standings, threatening the Canadiens’ position.
Fortunately for Montreal, a week later brought a rejuvenating turn of events. Victories against the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Buffalo Sabres not only halted the impending panic but also reignited hope among fans. The team is now set to face the Minnesota Wild and Winnipeg Jets before the Olympic break, free from the pressure that would accompany a poor performance in those games.
Struggles in Minnesota
Historically, the Canadiens struggle at the Xcel Energy Center. Since the NHL’s return to Minnesota in 2001, they’ve secured only three wins in 16 visits (3-11-2). Currently, they are on an 11-game losing streak (0-10-1) in Minnesota, with their last win there dating back to March 20, 2011. This sequence reflects a significant scoring disparity, with the Wild netting 63 goals in those meetings, averaging almost four goals per game, while the Canadiens managed just 37 (2.25 goals per game).
Key Player: Jakub Dobes
One of the standout factors for the Canadiens has been goalie Jakub Dobes. His remarkable performance has been a catalyst for the team’s recent successes. Over the last three games, Dobes has made 94 saves on 101 shots, recording impressive averages of 2.29 goals allowed per game and a 93.1% save percentage.
- Jakub Dobes: Key performances:
- 94 saves on 101 shots
- Average of 2.29 goals allowed per game
- Save percentage of 93.1%
Defensive and Offensive Highlights
The defensive performance has significantly improved, particularly with players like Mike Matheson stepping up. He effectively managed to restrain Colorado’s top line, contributing to the Canadiens’ defensive success.
On the offensive front, Cole Caufield has been a revelation. He recently scored his 32nd goal of the season, maintaining a streak of 11 goals and 14 points over the last eight games. These goals prove crucial, as 18 have given the Canadiens the lead at critical moments.
Notable Performances
| Player | Goals | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Cole Caufield | 32 | 11 game goal streak |
| Jakub Dobes | N/A | Key to recent victories |
| Mike Matheson | N/A | Defensive excellence |
As the Canadiens prepare for their next challenges, the focus will be on maintaining their recent momentum. The combination of Dobes’ impressive performance and the revitalized team spirit offers renewed hopes for the playoffs.
El-Balad continues to follow the Canadiens as they navigate through this critical juncture of the season, aiming to avoid a crisis and build on their recent successes.
