The Montreal Canadiens are clinging to postseason hopes as they head into a tough matchup against the surging Florida Panthers on Sunday afternoon. Despite a five-game losing streak, Montreal remains in the thick of the Eastern Conference wild-card race, but the margin for error is vanishing fast. Montreal (33-30-9, 75 points) fell 4-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, marking the third straight loss on their current four-game road trip. That defeat came just a day after a high-scoring 6-4 setback to the Philadelphia Flyers. The consecutive losses have left the Canadiens locked in a three-way tie with the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers for the final playoff spot. Montreal is familiar with the Panthers, having defeated them

Minnesota United and Real Salt Lake reignite their budding rivalry on Saturday night in Saint Paul, a clash carrying the weight of their thrilling playoff showdown from last season. While the Loons look to stay hot, they’ll be tested by injuries and a Real Salt Lake side eager to get back on track. Minnesota (2-1-2, 8 points) is riding a four-game unbeaten streak but will take the field without one of its key midfield anchors. Hassani Dotson suffered a meniscus injury in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against the LA Galaxy, underwent surgery on Wednesday, and is expected to miss several months. Dotson had one goal in five games this season and was coming off a career-best five-goal campaign in 2023.

LOS ANGELES — The LA Galaxy will attempt to earn their first victory of the season when they host MLS-leading scorers Orlando City SC on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy (0-3-2, 2 points) are still trying to rediscover their winning formula from last year’s impressive playoff run, but injuries have complicated the process. Star midfielder Riqui Puig remains sidelined with a long-term ACL injury, and offseason addition Joseph Paintsil is just returning to full training after missing nearly two months with a quad issue. Veteran forward Christian Ramirez has provided a bright spot, scoring in consecutive games including last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Minnesota United. That performance marked the first time all season the Galaxy have

ST. LOUIS — Two of MLS’ stingiest defenses will take center stage Sunday afternoon as Austin FC visit St. Louis City in a matchup where goals have been hard to come by on both sides. Austin FC (3-2-0, 9 points) enter the contest riding a two-match win streak, including last weekend’s 2-1 home victory over expansion side San Diego FC. Jon Gallagher and Brandon Vasquez provided first-half goals before the Verde leaned on goalkeeper Brad Stuver to preserve the result with three saves. Austin have allowed just three goals over their first five matches, tied for second-fewest in the league, and have found recent success by transitioning to a more compact, counterattacking system. Austin are still seeking their first-ever win