The Montreal Canadiens are exiting the Christmas break with a challenging schedule ahead, starting with a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This presents an immediate opportunity for the Canadiens to redeem themselves after a 6-1 defeat to the Lightning on December 9th.
The Canadiens' performance against the Lightning has been inconsistent. In their last 10 encounters, Montreal has managed only three wins. Overall, in the 139 games these teams have played, the Canadiens have won 59. Recent history favors Tampa Bay, adding pressure on Montreal to turn the tide.
Beyond the immediate challenge of facing the Lightning, the Canadiens' December has been a mix of highs and lows. A notable win against the Chicago Blackhawks (4-1) on December 18th, highlighted strong performances from Zachary Bolduc and Lane Hutson, offered a glimpse of the team's potential. However, inconsistency has plagued them, with losses to teams like the St. Louis Blues and Ottawa Senators.
Looking ahead, the Canadiens' schedule includes a typical holiday road trip. The team's management, led by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, is under pressure to ensure the team remains competitive. The Canadiens are currently 20-12-5, which is better than last season's 17-17-3 record after 37 games.
Adding an intriguing layer to the situation, the Tampa Bay Lightning are reportedly among several teams exploring the possibility of coaxing Marc-Andre Fleury out of retirement. This move would be to add goaltending depth behind Andrei Vasilevskiy. Some suggest that both the Canadiens and Oilers could be landing spots for Fleury.
As the Canadiens face the Lightning, several factors will be key to their success. Goaltending will be crucial, and recent performances suggest Jacob Fowler could be a key player. The offense needs to capitalize on opportunities, with players like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki leading the charge. The performance of the Canadiens' second line, featuring players like Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov, and Oliver Kapanen, will also be critical.
The game against Tampa Bay represents more than just another data point in the standings. It's a chance for the Canadiens to demonstrate resilience, build momentum, and offer their fans a positive note as they head into the new year.
