The Montreal Canadiens are heading into their final game before the Olympic break with a chance to sweep the season series against the Winnipeg Jets. Puck drops Wednesday night, and while it’s just one game on the calendar, it carries a little extra weight for both clubs.
Montreal took the first meeting in early December, edging Winnipeg in a shootout. And while this one won’t decide any playoff fates just yet, it’s a prime opportunity for the Habs to bank two critical points before the league hits pause.
Playoff Picture Tightens
The Canadiens are clinging to the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference-but just barely. Buffalo’s overtime loss to Tampa Bay on Tuesday night earned the Sabres a point, pulling them even with Montreal in the standings.
The two teams have played the same number of games and have the same point total, but Buffalo owns the tiebreaker with more regulation wins (26 to Montreal’s 20). That bumps the Sabres up to third in the division, nudging the Canadiens back into wild card territory.
With the standings this tight, every point matters. And with a lengthy break on the horizon, the Canadiens would love nothing more than to head into the Olympics on a high note.
Jets Trying to Stay in the Fight
On the other side, Winnipeg is nine points out of a playoff spot in the West and trying to stay within striking distance. They’ve been treading water lately, going 4-3-3 in their last 10 games, and are coming off a tough 4-3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars. This game is just as important for them-maybe more so-if they want to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Goaltending Decisions Loom
Neither team has officially confirmed its starting goaltender, but there are signs pointing to how things might shake out.
Jakub Dobes got the nod in Montreal’s last game, a hard-fought overtime loss to Minnesota. While he didn’t get the win, he played well enough to secure the Canadiens a point.
Still, head coach Martin St-Louis is turning back to Samuel Montembeault for this one. Montembeault hasn’t played since January 24 against Boston, so he’s rested and ready.
Dobes has had success against the Jets, winning his only start against them with a solid 1.85 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage. Montembeault’s track record isn’t quite as strong-he’s 1-4-1 against Winnipeg with a 3.47 GAA and a .881 save percentage-but St-Louis clearly believes in giving him the crease for this one.
At the other end, Connor Hellebuyck is expected to start again for Winnipeg, even after playing Monday night. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner has been the workhorse for the Jets, appearing in 35 games this season.
Against Montreal, he’s 13-6-2 with a 2.82 GAA and a .912 save percentage. Eric Comrie, who started the first meeting between these teams, has a 0-2-2 record against the Habs.
Roster Moves and Lineup Notes
Montreal placed forward Samuel Blais on waivers, and if he clears, he’s expected to get some AHL time with Laval during the Olympic break. That move doesn’t signal anything regarding Patrik Laine’s potential return-there’s no indication he’ll be suiting up against his former team just yet.
On defense, Jayden Struble will draw into the lineup in place of Arber Xhekaj, who saw limited minutes in the last game.
Head-to-Head History
The Canadiens and Jets have split their last 10 meetings right down the middle-five wins apiece. That balance adds a little extra spice to Wednesday’s tilt, with bragging rights on the line for the season series.
Up front, Phillip Danault has been the most productive Hab against Winnipeg historically, posting 23 points in 30 games. Brendan Gallagher isn’t far behind with 19 in 29, and captain Nick Suzuki has quietly racked up 17 points in just 20 games.
One interesting stat: Cole Caufield has never scored a goal against the Jets. He does have seven assists in 10 games, but he’s still looking to light the lamp against Winnipeg for the first time. Noah Dobson, currently riding a four-game point streak, has just two points in eight games against the Jets.
As for Winnipeg’s top guns, Kyle Connor has been a consistent thorn in Montreal’s side, racking up 28 points in 23 games. Mark Scheifele is right behind him with 25 points in 31 games, and Gustav Nyquist rounds out the trio with 21 points in 35 contests.
Looking Ahead
After Wednesday’s game, the Canadiens will be off until February 17, when they resume training in Brossard. Their next game action won’t come until February 26, when they face the New York Islanders.
While most of the roster will take advantage of the break to rest and recharge, four Canadiens will be heading to Milano-Cortina for the Olympics: Nick Suzuki, Oliver Kapanen, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Alexandre Texier-health permitting.
Puck Drop and Broadcast Info
Game time is set for 7:00 PM ET, and fans can catch the action on RDS and Sportsnet. Stephen Hiff and Trevor Hanson will be wearing the stripes, with Travis Toomey and Travis Gawryletz working the lines.
With both teams hungry for points and the Olympic break looming, expect a competitive, high-energy matchup. For Montreal, it’s a chance to head into the pause on a strong note.
For Winnipeg, it’s about survival. Either way, it should be a good one.