Montréal Canadiens vs Dallas Stars Picks and Predictions January 11th 2025

Canadiens look to shut down streaking Stars

Two of the NHL’s hottest teams are set to face off on Saturday as the Montreal Canadiens host the streaking Dallas Stars, who are riding a six-game winning streak. The Canadiens, looking to extend their own winning momentum, have been excelling with strong defense and clutch performances in recent games.

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Montreal Canadiens: A Rising Force

The Canadiens return to the Bell Centre fresh off a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals. This win marked their third straight victory and their sixth in the past seven games. Impressively, all of these wins came in either overtime or a shootout, showcasing their resilience in high-pressure moments.

Montreal’s recent victories are not just about numbers; they’ve come against some of the NHL’s top teams. Wins over the Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Colorado Avalanche—all strong playoff contenders—underscore the Canadiens’ ability to compete at an elite level. Notably, five of these wins occurred on the road, highlighting the team’s adaptability and poise under challenging conditions.

Defensive Dominance Drives Success

Head coach Martin St. Louis credits the team’s defensive discipline for their recent surge.

“The foundation of all that success is what we do defensively and how much we value that,” St. Louis remarked after Friday’s victory.

The Canadiens have allowed two or fewer goals in five of their past six wins, even when facing high-scoring opponents like the Capitals, Avalanche, Lightning, and Golden Knights. This defensive reliability has been the cornerstone of their winning formula.

Offensive Stars Leading the Charge

Montreal’s offense is spearheaded by Cole Caufield, who leads the team with 23 goals. Caufield is in the midst of a five-game goal streak, providing a consistent scoring threat. Nick Suzuki, the team’s points leader with 42, has been equally impressive. Suzuki has recorded seven points (two goals, five assists) during his current five-game streak and scored the overtime winner against the Capitals.

Key Reinforcements on the Horizon

Montreal may also benefit from the potential return of forward Patrik Laine and defenseman David Savard. Both players, sidelined since early January, skated in Quebec on Friday. Their presence could further bolster the Canadiens as they remain just one point out of an Eastern Conference wild-card playoff spot.

Dallas Stars: Hitting Their Stride

The Dallas Stars are tied with the Detroit Red Wings for the NHL’s longest active winning streak at six games. Under coach Pete DeBoer, the Stars have found their rhythm after a sluggish start to the season. Their 9-2-1 record since December 14 has helped them climb to the third playoff spot in the Central Division, narrowing the gap behind the Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild.

DeBoer acknowledged the team’s slow start but expressed confidence in their current trajectory:

“We’re just starting to hit our stride and our rhythm now.”

Depth Stepping Up for Dallas

The Stars have continued their winning ways despite the absence of forward Mason Marchment, who is sidelined with facial fractures. Marchment, with 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) in 33 games, is not expected to return until the end of January. In his absence, other players have risen to the occasion:

• Jason Robertson: With 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in his past 12 games, Robertson has been a consistent offensive contributor.
• Wyatt Johnston: The rookie forward has recorded 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in the last 11 games, further solidifying his place as a key player.

What’s at Stake

For the Canadiens, a win would extend their streak and maintain their push for a wild-card playoff spot in the competitive Eastern Conference. The Stars, meanwhile, aim to continue closing the gap in the Central Division standings and reinforce their reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous teams.

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Players to Watch

• Montreal Canadiens:
  • Cole Caufield: With goals in five consecutive games, Caufield is the Canadiens’ go-to scorer.
  • Nick Suzuki: The team captain is delivering clutch performances and continues to rack up points.
• Dallas Stars:
  • Jason Robertson: A playmaker with a knack for creating opportunities, Robertson is a catalyst for Dallas’ offense.
  • Wyatt Johnston: The rookie phenom has shown remarkable consistency and poise under pressure.

Final Thoughts

Saturday’s showdown promises to be a thrilling battle between two teams hitting their peak form. The Canadiens’ defensive discipline and timely scoring will be tested by the Stars’ balanced offensive attack and strong team depth. With both teams hungry to extend their streaks, this game could serve as a statement for whichever side comes out on top.