Montreal Canadiens Prepare for Crucial Rematch Against Minnesota Wild
The Montreal Canadiens (31-17-7) are set to clash with the Minnesota Wild (32-14-10) in what promises to be an electrifying National Hockey League encounter. This Tuesday night matchup at Grand Casino Arena represents the penultimate game for both teams before the Olympic break, adding significant stakes to an already intense rivalry.
Breaking the Streak: A Recent Turning Point
When these two franchises last met on January 20, 2026, the Canadiens achieved what had seemed improbable—they snapped a daunting nine-game losing streak against the Wild. That victory not only boosted team morale but also demonstrated Montreal's capacity to overcome historical challenges against this particular opponent.
The game-winning goal came from Cole Caufield, who has been enjoying a remarkable January performance. Caufield's offensive prowess has been so impressive that he managed to tie the legendary Guy Lafleur's January record with 13 goals, cementing his status as a key offensive weapon for the Canadiens.
Goaltending Excellence and Defensive Leadership
Between the pipes, Jakub Dobes will make his fourth consecutive start for Montreal. The goaltender has been nothing short of spectacular, having won his last six games and maintaining an undefeated record throughout 2026. His consistent performance provides the Canadiens with crucial stability in net as they face one of the league's more formidable offenses.
Meanwhile, team captain Nick Suzuki continues to demonstrate why he's considered one of the league's most complete players. With 14 points in his last eight games, Suzuki's offensive contributions have been substantial. Equally important has been his defensive awareness, which has garnered attention from analysts and opponents alike for its effectiveness and intelligence.
Broadcast Information and Viewing Options
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in St. Paul, with multiple viewing options available for fans. The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, RDS, and TSN Radio 690 at 98.5 FM. For those experiencing regional blackouts on TSN2 or RDS, alternative viewing methods exist to ensure Canadiens supporters across Ontario and Western Canada can follow the action.
Historical Context and Current Implications
This matchup carries particular significance given the recent history between these teams. The Canadiens' January victory broke a psychological barrier that had persisted through nine previous meetings. Now, with both teams positioned strongly in the standings—Montreal at 31-17-7 and Minnesota at 32-14-10—this game could have important implications for playoff positioning as the season progresses.
The timing adds another layer of importance, as this represents one of the final games before the Olympic break. Teams often view these pre-break contests as momentum builders, with victories providing psychological advantages heading into the hiatus.
Fans can stay updated throughout the evening with live updates and game highlights. Additionally, the conversation continues on the Hockey Inside Out YouTube channel, where enthusiasts can engage with real-time analysis and commentary.
As the Canadiens prepare to face the Wild for the second time in 2026, questions abound about whether Montreal can build upon their recent success or if Minnesota will reassert their historical dominance in this compelling NHL rivalry.
