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Canadiens Riding a Five-Game Winning Wave
The Canadiens are on fire, winning five straight games and sitting at 38-30-9 with 85 points. That places them six points ahead of both the Red Wings and the Rangers heading into the matchup. A victory on home ice against Detroit would stretch their lead to eight points, all but eliminating the Red Wings from contention, considering Montreal has just four games left and Detroit five.
Montreal forward Cole Caufield summed it up best:
“Every game is the biggest one going forward. You’ve got to find a way.”
And lately, they have.
Sign Up Today!Red Wings Face a Must-Win Road Challenge
At 36-33-7 with 79 points, Detroit trails Montreal by six points. But it’s not just about math. It’s about momentum—and the Red Wings are short on time.
With five of their final six games on the road, including this one, the challenge is steep. Their upcoming trip after Montreal includes tough matchups in Florida and Tampa Bay.
Head coach Todd McLellan understands the urgency:
“It doesn’t have to be pretty. But at the end of the day, the points are important.”
Indeed, they are.
Goaltending: The Backbone of Success
Both squads are staying afloat thanks to stellar performances in the net:
Montreal Canadiens
- Sam Montembeault allowed two goals or fewer in four straight starts.
- Jakub Dobes, the backup, came in clutch with 36 saves in a 2-1 win over Nashville.
“We just have to try and win as a group. That’s everyone’s mentality,” said Dobes.
Detroit Red Wings
- Veteran Cam Talbot has been sharp, giving up only seven goals over the last four games.
- He’s also racked up 97 saves in the past three contests.
“We have to continue to focus on what we can control,” Talbot noted.
Season Series: Final Round
This marks the fourth and final meeting of the regular season between the teams:
| Date | Result | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 20 | Canadiens 4-3 | @ Detroit |
| Dec 21 | Canadiens 5-1 | @ Montreal |
| Jan 23 | Red Wings 4-2 | @ Detroit |
| Apr 9 | TBD | @ Montreal |
The Canadiens lead the season series 2-1 and have the psychological edge—plus home-ice advantage.
Daily NHL Picks & PredictionsKey Implications
| Factor | Montreal | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Current Streak | 5-game win streak | 3 wins in 4 games |
| Points | 85 | 79 |
| Games Left | 4 | 5 |
| Road Games Remaining | 2 | 5 |
| Playoff Probability After Win | 90%+ | Slim-to-none (if loss) |
What to Watch For
- First Period Intensity – Detroit will push hard early, knowing they must score first.
- Power Plays – Special teams could tilt the game. Montreal’s power play has improved, while Detroit needs discipline.
- Goaltending Duel – Talbot vs. Montembeault (or Dobes) might decide this game.
Final Word
This isn’t just another regular-season matchup—it’s a make-or-break moment in the playoff chase. With momentum, home ice, and goaltending on their side, the Montreal Canadiens are poised to deal a crushing blow to Detroit’s playoff aspirations. Will they finish the job, or will the Red Wings claw back from the brink?
