Canadiens Look to Bounce Back Against Blue Jackets in Ohio
Tonight, the Montreal Canadiens are set to face the Columbus Blue Jackets in a pivotal game as they wrap up a back-to-back series and kick off a three-game road trip at Nationwide Arena. It’s been a tough stretch for the Habs, especially after their heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday night. The defeat was marked by penalty struggles, leaving Montreal with just 13 shots on goal in the contest. Despite holding a 2-1 lead late into the third period, the Canadiens couldn’t close it out, making this upcoming game in Columbus crucial to maintaining momentum.
With a 7-11-3 record, the Blue Jackets may not seem like the most intimidating team on paper, but their recent form says otherwise. Columbus has been riding high on a three-game win streak, with their offense coming alive. They’ve scored 17 goals in those victories, including a wild 7-6 overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lightning and a 5-4 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Their offense, led by players like Sean Monahan, Kirill Marchenko, and defenseman Zach Werenski, has been prolific, though their defense remains shaky, conceding goals at the fourth-highest rate in the league.
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For the Canadiens, the matchup marks an opportunity to put a tough loss behind them and focus on maintaining their dominance over Columbus, having won six straight against the Blue Jackets, outscoring them 27-9 in that span. Cole Caufield, who’s posted six points in his last six games but is still looking for his first goal since November 11, will be a key player to watch tonight. Emotions will be high for Caufield as he plays in the home building of his late friend, Johnny Gaudreau, which adds a personal layer to this game.
While Montreal will be relying on the performance of Caufield and captain Nick Suzuki, they will also need strong goaltending from Cayden Primeau. Primeau, who gets the start after Samuel Montembeault’s overtime performance yesterday, will be looking for his second win of the season. The Canadiens will need him to come up big, especially with Columbus’ offensive weapons firing on all cylinders.
On the injury front, Montreal will be without defenseman Mike Matheson, who remains out due to a lower-body injury. Matheson had been a key contributor to the Canadiens’ last victory over Columbus, earning a goal and an assist. Meanwhile, Patrik Laine is also out of the lineup, but his presence on the road trip is seen as a boost for team morale.
With both teams having their ups and downs this season, tonight’s game is a chance for the Canadiens to rebound and continue their recent dominance over the Blue Jackets. With the offense clicking and Primeau looking to make an impact, Montreal’s focus will be on executing their game plan, minimizing penalties, and taking control of the match from the outset. The Canadiens’ recent success against Columbus should give them confidence heading into this important road test.
As the game approaches, the excitement is palpable. The Habs will need to stay composed and avoid distractions if they are to emerge victorious on the second night of their back-to-back. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, and the action can be followed on Sportsnet East, RDS, and TSN 690 radio. It’s a game the Canadiens can’t afford to overlook, and a win here would certainly help them move forward on their road trip.
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