Penguins Looking to Bounce Back Against Canadiens, Who Aim for Second Straight Win
Pittsburgh Penguins Look to Rebound After Loss; Montreal Canadiens Seek Second Straight Win
As the NHL season intensifies, the Pittsburgh Penguins (12-14-4) will look to regain some traction in the Metropolitan Division when they square off with the Montreal Canadiens (11-14-3) on Thursday night at Bell Centre. With the game scheduled for a 7:00 PM ET puck drop, the Penguins aim to bounce back from a recent 6-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, while Montreal comes into the game riding high after a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
This game offers a chance for both teams to make headway, with the Penguins trying to move up the standings and the Canadiens pushing for consistency. Historically, Pittsburgh has had the upper hand, going 6-2-2 in their last 10 meetings with Montreal. However, given the recent form of both teams, this matchup promises to be anything but predictable.
Penguins: Aiming to Get Back on Track After Recent Loss
The Penguins were on a brief upswing after a win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, but their momentum was halted by a disappointing 6-2 defeat to Colorado. The loss was their second in the last three games, and it highlighted ongoing struggles for Pittsburgh, particularly on the defensive side of the ice. With their playoff aspirations in mind, the Penguins need to tighten things up if they are to have any hope of climbing the standings in the competitive Metropolitan Division.
Offensively, Pittsburgh has averaged 2.83 goals per game, and while that’s not elite, they have seen solid contributions from their stars. Sidney Crosby continues to lead the way with 27 points (8G, 19A), while fellow veteran Evgeni Malkin has chipped in with 25 points (6G, 19A). The addition of defenseman Erik Karlsson has provided Pittsburgh with another dynamic offensive piece, contributing 19 points (2G, 17A). In their most recent game, Michael Bunting and Cody Glass were the only two Penguins to score, while Malkin registered an assist.
However, it’s Pittsburgh’s defensive struggles that have been most concerning. The Penguins are currently ranked dead last in the NHL for goals allowed per game, giving up 3.80 goals on average. Their defense and goaltending have been leaky, as evidenced by the six goals allowed in their loss to Colorado. Tristan Jarry, who has been inconsistent, saved just 21 of 26 shots in that game. He enters Thursday with a 5-4-1 record, a 3.81 GAA, and a .881 save percentage—numbers that will need significant improvement if the Penguins hope to turn their season around.
Canadiens: Riding Momentum and Looking for Back-to-Back Wins
The Montreal Canadiens, currently sitting near the bottom of the Atlantic Division, have shown signs of life recently, winning three of their last four games. Their latest victory—a 3-2 win over Anaheim—was a much-needed bounce-back performance after a tough loss to Washington. Now, they look to carry that momentum into Thursday’s matchup against the Penguins, hoping to secure their second consecutive win and continue building some positive momentum.
While Montreal’s offense has been relatively modest, averaging 2.75 goals per game, the team has received strong performances from key players. Captain Nick Suzuki leads the Canadiens with 29 points (10G, 19A), while Cole Caufield, despite dealing with injury setbacks, remains a potent goal-scoring threat, recording 25 points (17G, 8A). Lane Hutson has impressed as well, contributing 19 points (19A) from the blue line. In the victory over Anaheim, Patrik Laine was a key figure, scoring a goal and adding an assist, while Kirby Dach also found the back of the net.
However, Montreal’s defensive woes persist. The Canadiens are giving up 3.54 goals per game, ranking them near the bottom of the league in terms of defensive efficiency. Against Anaheim, they were able to limit the Ducks to just two goals, but they will need another solid defensive performance if they are to have any hope of competing with the high-powered offenses of teams like Pittsburgh. Goaltender Sam Montembeault was solid in the win over Anaheim, stopping 27 of 29 shots, and his 9-11-2 record is reflective of Montreal’s struggles overall. With a 2.83 GAA and a .906 save percentage, Montembeault has had some good games but will need more consistency to give the Canadiens a chance against Pittsburgh’s offense.
Conclusion
The Penguins enter this game as the more talented team, but they have been inconsistent all season. If Pittsburgh’s defense continues to falter, the Canadiens will be more than capable of pulling off the upset, especially if they can take advantage of their recent momentum. For Montreal, the path to victory hinges on defensive improvements and steady goaltending, while Pittsburgh will need to bounce back in a big way after their tough loss to Colorado.
Unlock Winning Insights!
As the Penguins and Canadiens battle it out, make sure you have the best information at your fingertips. Our data packages provide in-depth analysis and statistics that can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning big this season!
Don’t miss out! Click the button below to explore our data packages and elevate your game strategy today!
