Can the Canadiens Bounce Back Against Troubled Devils?
After a lackluster performance in their most recent outing, the Montreal Canadiens will be looking to bounce back when they face the New Jersey Devils, a team also struggling to find their rhythm this season. Both teams have faced challenges in 2024-2025, but the Canadiens, with their young, dynamic roster and under the leadership of Martin St. Louis, may have the tools to capitalize on New Jersey’s current troubles.
The Canadiens’ recent loss highlighted some of their ongoing issues. Despite flashes of potential, the team’s lack of consistency has been an area of concern. In their last game, they were outplayed in key moments, struggling to find offensive flow and getting caught in defensive lapses. With such a youthful team, inconsistencies are to be expected, but for Montreal to be competitive in the tougher parts of their schedule, they will need to correct these issues quickly.
St. Louis, who has been lauded for his ability to develop young talent and instill confidence in his players, will need to emphasize discipline and structure moving forward. Players like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki are capable of carrying the offensive load, but the team needs to play a more complete game to support them. The Canadiens’ success often comes when they maintain their high-paced, up-tempo style while tightening up defensively to avoid costly turnovers.
The Devils, on the other hand, have also been enduring a difficult stretch. After a promising start to the 2024-2025 campaign, New Jersey has struggled with consistency, especially in their defensive zone. Their goaltending has been a particular issue, as both Vitek Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood have had moments of instability. In addition, the Devils’ offense, while talented with players like Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, has failed to fully click in recent weeks, leading to a dip in their overall performance.
For Montreal, this presents an opportunity to capitalize on New Jersey’s weaknesses. The Canadiens’ offense, led by Suzuki and Caufield, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and this game could be a chance for them to exploit the Devils’ shaky defense and goaltending. If the Canadiens can create pressure early and force turnovers, they’ll be able to generate quality scoring chances, especially on the power play, where they have been effective this season.
However, it’s not just about Montreal’s offense; they’ll need to step up their defensive game, too. While the Canadiens have improved under St. Louis, they are still a work in progress in their own zone. Defensively, the Canadiens must minimize mistakes, limit high-quality chances for New Jersey, and ensure that goalie Sam Montembeault or Cayden Primeau is given the support they need to keep the Devils from taking control of the game. If they can tighten things up defensively, they’ll have a much better chance of leaving New Jersey with two points.
Special teams will also play a critical role. Montreal’s power play has been a bright spot, but they need to make sure their penalty kill is solid, as New Jersey’s power play, despite struggles, still has the potential to be dangerous. St. Louis’ attention to detail and his team’s commitment to improving all aspects of their game will be key to their success.
As both teams look to bounce back from recent disappointments, the outcome of this matchup could hinge on which squad can better capitalize on the other’s weaknesses. The Canadiens, with their youthful energy and skilled players, have a chance to make a statement against a Devils team that has struggled with its own set of issues. If Montreal can regain their consistency and execute a disciplined game plan, they’ll be in prime position to turn things around and claim an important win against a troubled New Jersey squad.
