A Clash of Struggling Teams Fighting for Improvement
Montreal Canadiens vs Anaheim Ducks: A Battle of Underperforming Teams
As the NHL season continues to unfold, both the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks find themselves in need of a turnaround. With disappointing records in their respective divisions, this matchup offers both teams a chance to break out of their current slumps and make a push toward improvement.
Montreal Canadiens: Seeking Stability in Defense Amidst Offensive Struggles
The Canadiens, with a 24-22-5 record, have fallen into seventh place in the competitive Atlantic Division. Despite some bright spots, particularly from their top-line players, Montreal’s offense has struggled to produce consistently, averaging just 2.92 goals per game. The duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield has been the offensive engine, combining for 40 goals and 58 assists, but outside of them, the scoring has been scarce. Only seven players have reached the 10-goal mark, making it easier for opposing defenses to shut down the Canadiens’ attack.
While Montreal’s offense is underperforming, their defense has been equally problematic. Averaging 3.35 goals allowed per game, the Canadiens have conceded a concerning 16 goals over their past four contests. A closer look at their defense reveals that Lane Hutson and Mike Matheson have been the standout performers, combining for 13.3 defensive point shares. However, the rest of the defense corps has struggled to contain opponents, allowing far too many quality scoring chances. Goaltender Samuel Montembeault has not been immune to criticism, with a .899 save percentage and a 2.99 goals-against average. His -3.1 goals saved above average highlights a troubling trend for Montreal’s netminder, who has faced 1,037 shots this season.
Anaheim Ducks: Defensive Woes and Offensive Woes
For the Ducks, the story is similar. With a 21-24-6 record, Anaheim is stuck in the lower rungs of the Pacific Division, and their struggles are particularly evident in their offensive output. Averaging only 2.51 goals per game, the Ducks have struggled to find the back of the net consistently. While Troy Terry, Frank Vatrano, and Ryan Strome have combined for 38 goals and 69 assists, their contributions haven’t been enough to mask the lack of depth in the offense. Only four skaters on the team have scored 10 or more goals, making it easy for opposing defenses to focus on limiting Anaheim’s primary scoring threats.
In addition to their offensive challenges, the Ducks’ defense has been equally porous. They allow 3.12 goals per game, a number that leaves little margin for error in their quest to improve. Radko Gudas and Jackson LaCombe have been the most reliable contributors defensively, with a combined 11.6 defensive point shares, but much like Montreal, the rest of the unit has struggled. Opponents have routinely been able to generate high-quality chances against the Ducks.
Despite these team-wide struggles, there has been one notable bright spot in Anaheim’s play: goaltender Lukas Dostal. The 24-year-old netminder has stepped up with a .908 save percentage and a 2.96 goals-against average, facing 937 shots this season. His +6.1 goals saved above average demonstrates that he has kept the Ducks competitive despite the defensive issues around him.
Conclusion
While both teams are in the midst of disappointing seasons, the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks remain dangerous in the right circumstances. If either team can turn their struggles into a cohesive effort on both sides of the puck, they could set themselves up for a much-needed boost toward a more successful second half of the season.
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