The Montreal Canadiens will wrap up their lengthy seven-game holiday road trip this Sunday with an afternoon clash against the Dallas Stars. The game, set for a 2 p.m. puck drop at the American Airlines Center, will be broadcast on RDS, TSN2, TSN Radio 690, and 98.5 FM.
Road Warriors Look for Strong Finish
For the second consecutive season, what was anticipated to be a challenging holiday road swing has proven fruitful for the Habs. The team managed to avoid a regulation loss through the first six games of this trip, a streak that was only snapped in their most recent outing. Entering Sunday's contest, Montreal holds a record of 22 wins, 13 losses, and 6 overtime losses, positioning them solidly in the playoff picture.
Standing in their way is a formidable Dallas Stars squad, one of the league's top teams with a record of 25-9-7. The memory of their last meeting will surely be fresh for the Canadiens, as they suffered a decisive 7-0 defeat at the Bell Centre earlier this season, marking one of their lowest points of the campaign.
Lineup Questions and Standings Stakes
Montreal's goaltending situation mirrors last season, with three netminders available. Jacob Fowler started the game on Saturday, while Jakub Dobes and Samuel Montembeault have seen action earlier in the week. The health of key forwards is also a factor, as Josh Anderson missed Saturday's game with an upper-body injury.
Defenceman Mike Matheson, who sat out Thursday after taking an elbow from Boston's Brad Marchand, returned to the lineup for the game against the St. Louis Blues. Every point is crucial as the Canadiens battle in the tight Atlantic Division. Montreal currently sits in third place, just two points behind the Detroit Red Wings and three back of the division-leading Tampa Bay Lightning.
How to Follow the Action
Fans across Canada can tune in for the matinee matchup. For those experiencing regional blackouts on TSN2 or RDS, alternative streaming options are available to watch from Ontario and Western Canada. The live conversation and game highlights will be ongoing throughout the afternoon, with additional coverage available on the Hockey Inside Out YouTube channel livestream.
This final game of the extended trip represents a significant test and opportunity for the Canadiens. A victory against a Western Conference powerhouse like Dallas would send the team home on a high note and solidify their successful run away from the Bell Centre.
