The Montreal Canadiens will take on the Anaheim Ducks Sunday afternoon in California.
Not so long ago, the Montreal Canadiens were firing on all cylinders with three established defensive pairings, four lines that were connecting. But, as is often the case, the Injury Ninja stroke and took down Emil Heineman and Kaiden Guhle, throwing a spanner in the works for Martin St-Louis' team. As a result, the Canadiens have lost six of the their last 10 games including their last four matches.
To be fair tough, the Habs have had to take on some ferocious competition. Today though, the opponent will be another struggling side. The Anaheim Ducks have also lost six of their last 10 games, and they are currently 28th in the league with 48 points to their name. Meanwhile, the Canadiens currently sit in 21st place with 53 points.
The two sides have met once so far this season, a December tilt which Montreal won 3-2 in the shootout. Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach had scored the Habs' goals in regulation, while Troy Terry had scored the Ducks' goals. In the shootout Laine scored once more and Cole Caufield also beat Lukas Dostal while no-one was able to beat Samuel Montembeault.
The two teams have split their last 10 meetings right down the middle with each team getting five wins. The Canadiens most productive players against the Ducks are Christian Dvorak with 13 points in 26 games, followed by Brendan Gallagher who has 13 points in 14 games, just in front of Laine, who's got 11 in 13 meetings. Nick Suzuki only has seven points, but he got them in eight games.
As for the Ducks, Alex Killorn is their points leader against the Canadiens with 19 points in 41 games, followed by Ryan Strome who has 16 points in 23 games while Cam Fowler wraps up the top three with 15 points in 22 game. However, Troy Terry, who's only taken on the Habs nine times has got 10 points.
There's been no confirmation on who will be in net for the Canadiens, but if I had to bet, I'd put my money on Montembeault. Jakub Dobes was in net for the 4-0 defeat against the Minnesota Wild, while the defeat wasn't on him, there's no reason not to go back to the team's number one goalie. Montembeault has got a 2-4-0 record with a 2.85 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage against the California outfit. As for Dobes, he has never faced the Ducks and therefore has no stats against them.
Meanwhile, Dostal has taken on the Canadiens three times and has a 1-1-1 record with a 2.92 GAA and a .893 SP. As for veteran John Gibson, he has faced Montreal 10 times and has a 7-2-1 record, with a 2.29 GAA and a .927 SP.
Alexandre Carrier, Jake Evans and David Savard missed yesterday's practice, but should hopefully be able to play this afternoon. The Canadiens also called up Owen Beck and Logan Mailloux from the Laval Rocket and they are set to join the team in California.
After the game, the Habs will make their way to San Jose to take on the Sharks on Tuesday night, before taking on the Lost Angeles Kings on Wednesday night and heading home for two afternoon games during Superbowl weekend.
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