Montreal Canadiens Prepare for Buffalo Sabres Showdown
The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up for a couple of crucial matchups with the Buffalo Sabres, their divisional rivals. This season, they have already faced the Sabres twice, with mixed results. The first encounter in November was a nail-biter, with the Canadiens scraping a 7-5 victory. However, their second meeting in December was a dominant 6-1 win, highlighted by Patrik Laine’s hat trick, while the Sabres appeared disinterested and outmatched. As both teams prepare to face each other again, the Canadiens sit 23rd in the league, eight points ahead of the Sabres, who are currently 29th.
Kirby Dach’s Season-Ending Surgery
In a significant setback for the Canadiens, center Kirby Dach underwent right knee surgery on Friday. The procedure was successfully performed by Dr. Thierry Pauyo in Montreal, and the team expects a full recovery before the start of next season. This is the same knee that Dach had operated on last year, and it’s a daunting challenge for the 24-year-old, who has a lot to prove before his contract expires at the end of the upcoming season. The Canadiens’ management, led by Kent Hughes, might need to reassess their forward lines and possibly revisit the idea of trading for Dylan Cozens to fill the void left by Dach. In the meantime, Owen Beck has stepped into Dach’s position and has been impressively solid in his role.
Josh Anderson’s Absence and Practice Adjustments
Josh Anderson, a key player for the Canadiens, missed practice on Friday. Michael Pezzetta took his place alongside Brendan Gallagher and Christian Dvorak. Gallagher, Montreal’s most productive player against the Sabres, has amassed 24 points in 41 games, followed by Laine and Nick Suzuki, who have 13 points each in 13 and 15 games, respectively. The team’s recent performance has been a bit uneven, as evidenced by their last game—a win against the San Jose Sharks that left much to be desired. Head coach Martin St-Louis, known for his composed demeanor, was seen at practice on Friday morning, visibly frustrated and shouting at his players to "f—ing wake up" and "f—ing pass the puck." This rare display of temper could be a turning point, and it will be interesting to see how the Canadiens respond to their coach’s outburst.
Sabres’ Struggles and Key Players
On the other side, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves in a tough spot, sitting five points out of a playoff spot and needing to overtake three teams in the standings. Despite their struggles, the Sabres have shown moments of brilliance. Alex Tuch leads the team with 16 points in 16 games against the Canadiens, while Tage Thompson and Jason Zucker each have 15 points—Thompson in 14 games and Zucker in 21. The Sabres have been consistent in their performances against Montreal, winning two out of their last three games. However, the Canadiens’ overall record in their recent head-to-head meetings is seven wins in the last 10 games, giving them a slight edge in the upcoming matchups.
Goalie Dynamics: Jakub Dobes and the Sabres’ Options
Jakub Dobes will be manning the net for the Canadiens. While he has never faced the Sabres, his record this season is commendable with a 5-2-1 standing, a 2.71 goals-against average (GAA), and a .908 save percentage. The Sabres have yet to announce their starting goaltender, but they have a few options. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen, who has a 1-2-0 record against the Canadiens with a high 5.15 GAA and a .829 save percentage, might be a contender. Alternatively, backup goaltender James Reimer, who has a 9-8-0 record, a 2.99 GAA, and a .909 save percentage, could step up for the challenge. The choice of goaltender could significantly impact the outcome of the games, especially given the Canadiens’ recent scoring prowess.
Upcoming Games and Season Implications
The first game of the Canadiens-Sabres series is set for 7:00 PM on Friday in Buffalo. Both teams will then head back to Montreal for the second game, scheduled for 7:00 PM on Monday. These games are crucial for both teams, but especially for the Canadiens, who need to solidify their position in the standings. The Sabres, while further down, still have a chance to make a playoff push, and these matchups could provide the spark they need. The Canadiens’ recent victories and the Sabres’ close losses suggest a competitive and unpredictable series. Fans on both sides are eagerly anticipating these games, hoping to see their teams perform at their best. For the latest news and analysis on the Canadiens, follow Karine Hains on X, Bluesky, and Threads, and bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens’ page.
