Habs Face Tough Test Against Western-Leading Jets

Montreal Canadiens aim to snap a two-game skid against the surging Winnipeg Jets, who lead the West and boast a lethal offense.

Canadiens Seek to Regain Momentum

After an impressive 13-3-1 run vaulted the Montreal Canadiens into the Eastern Conference wild-card conversation, they’ve hit a rough patch with back-to-back losses. Montreal fell 4-2 to Detroit on Thursday and 4-3 in overtime to New Jersey on Saturday. However, they’ve avoided a three-game losing streak since an 0-5-1 slide in early November.

Nick Suzuki, who had a goal and two assists on Saturday, remains confident in the team’s ability to respond. “You just have to find ways to win,” Suzuki told the Montreal Gazette. “It’s just mental errors that we have to eliminate from our game,” added teammate Alexandre Carrier.

Montreal showed resilience on Saturday, rallying from a 3-1 deficit to force overtime. However, facing the Western Conference-leading Winnipeg Jets, the Canadiens know they’ll need to play a near-flawless game to come out on top.

Jets Ride High Behind Offensive Firepower

The Winnipeg Jets arrive in Montreal on a three-game winning streak and sit atop the West with 71 points. Winnipeg has been on a tear, going 7-2-1 over their last 10 games, outscoring opponents 33-20 and converting 7-of-14 power-play opportunities in that span.

Gabriel Vilardi has been a standout for Winnipeg, tallying six points in his last three games. He, along with Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, leads a potent Jets offense, with all three players netting at least 20 goals this season. Connor, who tops the team with 63 points, has been quiet on the road lately but remains a constant threat.

“We have so many threats. I think you have got to worry about different options,” Vilardi said, highlighting Winnipeg’s versatile attack.

In net, Connor Hellebuyck has been stellar during a 6-1-0 stretch, boasting a 1.72 goals-against average and .927 save percentage. He stopped 26 shots in Winnipeg’s 4-2 win over Montreal in December. Backup Eric Comrie also found success Sunday, stopping 20 of 22 shots to snap an 0-7-1 skid.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Montreal’s Goaltending: Rookie Jakub Dobes, despite a strong start to his NHL career, has yielded four goals in each of his last two starts. With Sam Montembeault also inconsistent in 2024, Montreal’s goaltending will be tested against Winnipeg’s high-powered offense.
• Jets’ Offense vs. Habs’ Defense: Winnipeg ranks second in the NHL with 3.53 goals per game. Montreal will need a disciplined defensive effort to slow down scorers like Vilardi and Connor.
• Home Advantage: Nick Suzuki has been a force at the Bell Centre, recording 29 of his 50 points at home. He’ll need to lead the charge if Montreal hopes to secure a win.

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What’s at Stake

For Montreal, this game offers a chance to halt their skid and prove they belong in the playoff conversation. For Winnipeg, a win would further solidify their position atop the Western Conference while extending their momentum. With both teams bringing compelling storylines to the ice, this matchup is one to watch.