This will be Jakub Dobes’ first start since October 20, the night of the famous overtime penalty against the Sharks at the Bell Centre that cost his team the game. The Czech will try to put an end to a streak of four consecutive losses, as his last win dates back to the very first game of the season against the Leafs in Toronto on September 29. In doing so, he could extend his team’s winning streak to four. However, the challenge will be a tough one since he will have to get the better of the Stars at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Many of you don’t like the decision to put Dobes in net at the expense of Fowler, who has just won the three road games of the trip while extending his personal winning streak to six. For my part, I’m one of those who believe it’s the right decision to send Dobes out and give Fowler a rest. At the same time, Fowler, who is chasing an NHL record for the most consecutive wins by a 21-year-old goaltender (eight wins), has a much better chance of extending that streak with a game at the Bell Centre on Saturday night. A game where he should receive a huge ovation with Sidney Crosby and company in town. As for Dobes, the mission of stealing a game falls to him, and he could make people forget all his struggles with one big win against the Stars tonight.
Martin St-Louis shuffles his cards
Despite the fact that the Canadiens have won their last three games, the coach decided to make changes to his lines for the final game of a four-game road trip.
Cole Caufield – Alex Newhook – Juraj Slafkovsky
Chris Kreider – Oliver Kapanen – Josh Anderson
Zachary Bolduc – Phillip Danault – Alexandre Texier
Florian Xhekaj – Jake Evans – Kirby Dach
NHL.COM:
Lane Hutson – Noah Dobson
Mike Matheson – Alexandre Carrier
Kaiden Guhle – Adam Engstrom
RDS.CA:
Hutson – Dobson
Guhle – Matheson
Engström – Carrier
Alex Newhook finds himself on the first line while Oliver Kapanen will center the second. In short, I have no problem with these changes. As I’m writing this preview, I still don’t know whether Arber Xhekaj will be left out for a second consecutive game or if he’ll take back his spot in place of Adam Engstrom. In my humble opinion, I sincerely believe MSL would prefer to have Xhekaj in the lineup, but I also think the Swede is in the showcase more than ever. I’m convinced Engstrom will be the next Canadiens player involved in a trade.
MTL 7-3-2 VS DAL 7-4-1
Glen Gulutzan’s men, who sit third in the Central Division, just suffered a 5-1 loss to the Devils on Tuesday night and will definitely be looking to get back on the winning track against the Habs in front of their fans.
If Martin St-Louis’s men hope to collect a fourth consecutive win, they will certainly need to contain the Stars’ top line of Jason Robertson (5-8), Roope Hintz (5-5) and Mikko Rantanen (6-8). Jakub Dobes will also need to be at his best if he hopes to end his losing streak.
Season prediction: 7-5
Guaranteed win: 2-0
Prediction:
MTL – 2
Dallas – 4
With that, have a great rest of your day and enjoy the game tonight.