Canadiens Aim to Unsettle Opponents at Bell Centre
The Montreal Canadiens are seeking to enhance their home performance at the Bell Centre following a productive holiday road trip. Head coach Martin St-Louis acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly after a tough 4-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Despite this setback, the Canadiens managed to secure impressive victories against the Calgary Flames (4-1) and the Florida Panthers (6-2).
Home and Away Performance Comparison
Montreal’s current home record stands at 12 wins, 10 losses, and 1 overtime loss (12-10-1). In contrast, their away performance is significantly stronger, with a record of 13 wins, 4 losses, and 5 overtime losses (13-4-5). Defender Noah Dobson emphasizes that their successful road trip has helped boost the team’s confidence.
- Home Record: 12-10-1
- Away Record: 13-4-5
Factors Influencing Recent Success
Players attribute their success during the road trip to a cohesive team effort. Forward Zachary Bolduc noted that good team play and high levels of synchronization have allowed Montreal to apply pressure on both the offensive and defensive ends. Additionally, veteran forward Samuel Blais highlighted that strong starts could significantly impact the outcome of games.
“Even in our last game, we had good scoring chances early on,” Blais remarked. “If we convert, it can change the entire game.”
Challenges at Home
Joe Veleno, a native of Montreal, remarked on the competitive atmosphere at the Bell Centre, which can often motivate visiting teams. He suggested that while players should enjoy this privilege, they must also capitalize on the home ice advantage.
“It’s a privilege to play in front of such passionate fans,” Veleno stated. “We need to ensure our opponents feel uncomfortable when they come here.”
Upcoming Matches and Player Status
The Canadiens are scheduled to play the Vancouver Canucks next at the Bell Centre. The Canucks are struggling, having lost their last six games (0-4-2). Following this matchup, the Canadiens will embark on a road trip with games against Washington, Buffalo, and Ottawa.
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Monday | Vancouver Canucks |
| Tuesday | Washington Capitals |
| Thursday | Buffalo Sabres |
| Saturday | Ottawa Senators |
In terms of player recovery, the team has seen progress with the return of key players like Josh Anderson and Kirby Dach, who participated in Sunday’s practice. As the Canadiens aim to settle their opponents at the Bell Centre, focus and execution will be crucial in achieving their objectives in the upcoming games.
