Surging Canadiens Brace for a Determined Devils Team
The Montreal Canadiens are no longer flying under the radar. With 13 wins in their last 17 games, the league has taken notice, and opponents are bringing their best effort to each game. On Saturday night, the Canadiens will face a tough test as they host the New Jersey Devils, who are riding high after a convincing win over the Boston Bruins.
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Montreal’s Momentum and Growing Challenges
The Canadiens’ recent success has elevated their status, but it has also made them a target for teams looking to knock them down. Defenseman Kaiden Guhle acknowledged this shift, saying, “Teams are coming ready to play against us now. It’s not a secret that we’re hot—we’re playing really well—and we’ve got to be ready for teams not to take us lightly anymore.”
However, Montreal stumbled in their last outing, falling 4-2 to the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. Despite a solid 41-save performance from goaltender Sam Montembeault and goals from Kirby Dach and Kaiden Guhle, the Canadiens couldn’t recover after conceding the first three goals of the game.
Reflecting on the loss, Dach said, “They did to us what we’ve done to a lot of other teams. They made it hard to break out of our zone, and we didn’t do enough on the forecheck to make life uncomfortable for them.” Still, Dach remains optimistic, emphasizing the team’s growth and ability to learn from setbacks: “As a group, we’ve matured enough to turn the page on this, take the lessons, and move on to Saturday’s game.”
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Challenges in Recent Matchups Against New Jersey
The Canadiens know they’ll need a better start against the Devils, who capitalized on a flat Montreal performance in their previous meeting. Back on November 7, New Jersey jumped out to a two-goal first-period lead and secured a 5-3 victory. Key players like Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes, and Nico Hischier combined for nine points in that game, overwhelming the Canadiens with their offensive firepower.
The Devils head into this rematch with renewed confidence after snapping a four-game skid by dominating the Boston Bruins 5-1 on Wednesday. Their performance was fueled by a stellar second period in which Dawson Mercer scored twice, while his linemates, Timo Meier and Justin Dowling, contributed three assists. Head coach Sheldon Keefe praised the trio, saying, “That line was tremendous. Meier and Mercer had their best game in a long time, and it gave us a big boost.”
Injury Concerns for the Devils
One area of uncertainty for New Jersey is their goaltending. Starter Jacob Markstrom sustained a lower-body injury after a collision in Wednesday’s game. Coach Keefe provided an update, saying, “We’ll take some time before we know the full extent, but he’s in good spirits and feeling better.” Markstrom is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an MCL sprain, which could also jeopardize his participation in February’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
In the meantime, Isaac Poulter has been recalled from the AHL’s Utica Comets to back up Jake Allen, who will likely start in net on Saturday. This change in goal provides an opportunity for Montreal to capitalize, but they’ll need to bring their best effort against a team eager to maintain momentum.
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Keys to Saturday’s Matchup
Montreal’s Game Plan
- Start Strong: The Canadiens can’t afford another sluggish start like the one against Detroit or in their last game versus New Jersey. Establishing an early forecheck and maintaining control in the neutral zone will be crucial.
- Defensive Discipline: With New Jersey’s offensive weapons firing on all cylinders, Montreal’s defense must stay sharp to limit high-danger chances.
- Special Teams: Improving power-play efficiency and staying disciplined to avoid costly penalties will play a critical role.
New Jersey’s Strategy
- Exploit Depth: The Devils’ secondary scoring, led by players like Dawson Mercer and Timo Meier, could be a game-changer against Montreal’s defensive pairings.
- Control the Pace: New Jersey thrives when dictating the tempo. Look for them to pressure Montreal with an aggressive forecheck and quick transitions.
- Solid Goaltending: With Markstrom out, Jake Allen will need to deliver a steady performance to keep the Devils competitive.
Player Matchups to Watch
- Kirby Dach vs. Nico Hischier: Both centers are key to their teams’ success, excelling at puck possession and driving offense. Their faceoff battles will be pivotal.
- Jesper Bratt vs. Kaiden Guhle: Bratt’s speed and creativity against Guhle’s physical defensive style promise an intriguing clash.
- Dawson Mercer’s Line vs. Montreal’s Depth: The Canadiens’ ability to contain Mercer, Meier, and Dowling could determine the outcome of the game.
Final Thoughts
The Canadiens and Devils bring contrasting narratives into this game. Montreal is learning to thrive under the spotlight, while New Jersey is finding its stride after a tough stretch. Both teams have something to prove, and with stars like Jack Hughes and Cole Caufield likely to shine, fans can expect an intense and thrilling matchup.
For Montreal, Saturday’s game represents a chance to bounce back and reinforce their status as a rising force. For New Jersey, it’s an opportunity to showcase their depth and adaptability in the face of adversity. Whichever team executes better will walk away with a critical two points.