Canadiens Look to Finish Tough Road Trip Strong Against Dallas Stars
The Montreal Canadiens are wrapping up a demanding holiday road trip, and the final test comes against one of the NHL’s most dangerous teams, the Dallas Stars. After four straight games without a regulation loss, Montreal was finally slowed down on Saturday in St. Louis, falling 2–0 in a game that felt closer than the score suggested. Chances were created, effort was there, but the finish just didn’t come. And in a playoff race as tight as the one in the Eastern Conference, those missed opportunities are felt immediately.
Now the focus has shifted to Dallas, where the Canadiens are looking to respond quickly and close out the trip the right way before heading home for a three-game homestand. The challenge, however, is significant. While Montreal played an afternoon game and arrived in Texas late Saturday night, the Stars have been resting since New Year’s Day. That extra recovery time has only added to the sense that the Canadiens will need to be sharp from the opening puck drop.
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Dallas is coming off a rare rough stretch, having lost four games in a row, including a narrow defeat to Chicago. Still, that skid has done little to damage their overall position. With a 25-9-7 record, the Stars remain one of the top teams in the Central Division and are known for their explosive offense. An early push is expected from a Dallas team eager to get back in the win column on home ice.
The season series hasn’t been kind to Montreal so far. Back in November, the Stars dominated with a 7–0 win, a game that quickly got away from the Canadiens. That result hasn’t been forgotten, and it adds an extra layer of motivation heading into this rematch.
There are also individual storylines to watch. Phillip Danault is on the verge of a milestone, needing just one point for the 400th of his NHL career, which would also be his first since returning to Montreal. On the Dallas side, Mikko Rantanen continues to drive the offense, leading the Stars in scoring with 56 points and showing no signs of slowing down.
For Montreal, this game is about resilience. A tough loss, travel fatigue, and a rested opponent are all part of the equation. Still, a strong finish to the road trip would reinforce the progress that’s been made and send the Canadiens home with confidence. Against a powerhouse like Dallas, that response will need to be immediate, disciplined, and relentless.
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