Canadiens Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against Struggling Flames

The Montreal Canadiens are set to carry their recent momentum onto the road as they face the Calgary Flames on March 15, 2024. Following a successful homestand, where they recorded three wins in four games, the Canadiens are eager to continue their push for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Their latest victory came against the Buffalo Sabres, where they triumphed 4-2, showcasing their offensive prowess with three goals in the third period.

Goalkeeper Jakub Dobes expressed confidence in the team’s prospects, stating, “We’re a good team. I feel like we’re going to win a lot of games.” This positivity is mirrored in the Canadiens’ performance, having secured five wins in their last six outings. Central to their offensive strategy is Nick Suzuki, who contributed two assists against the Sabres, elevating his point total to ten (one goal, nine assists) over the past six games.

Goalkeeping Competition and Potential Returns

The Canadiens face an intriguing situation in goal. While Sam Montembeault, the No. 1 goaltender, has struggled lately, Dobes has stepped up with a flawless 3-0 record, a remarkable 1.63 goals-against average, and a .939 save percentage. As the Canadiens prepare for a challenging four-game road trip, both goalkeepers are expected to see action, although Coach Martin St. Louis has not confirmed who will start against the Flames.

“We feel comfortable with both goalies,” St. Louis mentioned. “But you’re always going to have that internal competition, no matter what position you play.” Additionally, the Canadiens could see forward Kirby Dach return from injury, which may further bolster their lineup.

In stark contrast, the Flames find themselves struggling at the bottom of the league standings. After finishing ahead of the Canadiens last season, Calgary is currently on a six-game losing streak. Their recent performance includes a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, marking the third consecutive match where they have managed to score only one goal.

Flames Seeking to Turn the Tide

Flames’ goaltender Dustin Wolf acknowledged the team’s frustrations, stating, “It’s frustrating right now, but you have to find a way to get through it.” Despite their challenges, the Flames demonstrated resilience against the Jets, creating numerous scoring opportunities, particularly in the third period, but ultimately fell short.

Coach Ryan Huska emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook during this tough stretch. “If you allow yourself to get stuck on that emotion, then it just keeps snowballing,” he noted. “You have to focus on the things that you’re doing well and you have to do them harder.”

As the Canadiens and Flames prepare for their matchup, the stakes are high for both teams. The Canadiens aim to solidify their standing in the Eastern Conference, while the Flames seek a much-needed victory to reverse their current trajectory. The outcome of this game could significantly impact both teams as they navigate the challenges of the ongoing season.