The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up for a challenging five-game road trip, and they shouldn’t expect a smooth journey.
Currently, the Canadiens have a strong 93.8% chance of making the playoffs according to Moneypuck. However, with only a four-point cushion over the ninth-place team in the Eastern Conference, their position is anything but secure.
At home, the Habs have been formidable, boasting a 14-4-1 record in their last 19 games at the Bell Centre, averaging 3.89 goals per game while allowing just 2.42. But now, they hit the road to face some stiff competition.
Over the next eight days, the Canadiens will face five teams with a combined recent record of 30-17-3. First up, the Nashville Predators, who are fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, holding the second wild card position by a single point over the Los Angeles Kings. Expect Nashville to bring intensity and desperation to the ice.
The Canadiens then face the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, marking their second encounter in less than a week. After a 5-2 defeat to Carolina earlier, Montreal can anticipate a motivated Hurricanes squad eager for a repeat performance, especially as they vie with the Buffalo Sabres for the Eastern Conference lead.
Tuesday brings a clash with the Tampa Bay Lightning, a potential playoff opponent. The Lightning have already bested Montreal twice this season, including a dominant 6-1 victory and a 5-4 overtime thriller. This matchup is crucial for the Canadiens to build confidence and prove they can compete with Tampa in a postseason scenario.
On Thursday, the Canadiens will meet the New York Rangers, who have been eliminated from playoff contention and sit near the bottom of the standings. Despite their struggles, Montreal must avoid complacency; this game has all the makings of a classic trap.
The road trip wraps up with a game against the New Jersey Devils. While the Devils are on the brink of playoff elimination, their recent 7-3-0 run shows they’re not going down without a fight, outscoring opponents 41-32 in that stretch.
For the Canadiens, consistency is key. They can’t rely solely on stellar goaltending from Dobes, who’s been impressive with a 5-2-0 record, a 2.00 goals-against average, and a .931 save percentage since early March. It’s a team effort, and every player must step up, especially with the playoffs looming.
This road trip is a test of resilience and teamwork for the Habs. They need to bring their A-game, ensuring no one is merely along for the ride.