Canadiens Aim for Road Victory Against Struggling Flames

The Montreal Canadiens are set to embark on a four-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against the Calgary Flames on March 15, 2024. Following a successful homestand, where they secured three wins in four games, the Canadiens are riding a wave of momentum. They recently triumphed over the Buffalo Sabres with a score of 4-2, bolstered by three third-period goals.

Montreal goaltender Jakub Dobes expressed confidence in the team’s abilities, stating, “We’re a good team. I feel like we’re going to win a lot of games.” The Canadiens have emerged as a competitive force this season, building on their surprising playoff appearance last year. With five victories in their last six outings, they are currently in contention for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Offensive Power and Goaltending Dilemma

Leading the charge offensively is center Nick Suzuki, who contributed two assists against the Sabres, bringing his total to ten points during a six-game point streak. The team’s offensive depth was on display as they rallied to secure a win against Buffalo, showcasing their resilience in the final period.

In goal, the Canadiens face an intriguing situation. While starting goaltender Sam Montembeault has struggled, Dobes boasts a perfect record of 3-0, along with an impressive 1.63 goals-against average and .939 save percentage. Coach Martin St. Louis has not disclosed who will start against the Flames, but he acknowledged that both goalies are capable. “We feel comfortable with both goalies,” St. Louis said. “But you’re always going to have that internal competition, no matter what position you play.”

Adding to the Canadiens’ potential strength is the expected return of forward Kirby Dach, who has been sidelined due to injury. His presence could provide a further boost to an already potent lineup.

Flames Seek to Reverse Their Fortune

Conversely, the Calgary Flames find themselves in a challenging position. After finishing ahead of Montreal in the overall standings last season, they now sit at the bottom of the league following a six-game losing streak. Their most recent outing resulted in a narrow 2-1 defeat to the Winnipeg Jets, marking the third consecutive game where they scored only one goal.

Goaltender Dustin Wolf expressed frustration about the team’s current struggles but remains optimistic. “It’s frustrating right now, but you have to find a way to get through it,” he remarked. The Flames have scored more than two goals in a game just once this season, highlighting their offensive difficulties.

Despite the setbacks, Coach Ryan Huska emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. “If you allow yourself to get stuck on that emotion, then it just keeps snowballing,” he said. Huska believes focusing on the positives and building from them is essential for the team’s recovery.

As the Canadiens prepare to face the Flames, the matchup promises to be a study in contrasts: a confident Montreal squad against a struggling Calgary team desperate to turn their season around. The outcome could have implications not only for playoff positioning but also for the morale of both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.