Flames and Canadiens Both Struggling with Offensive and Defensive Woes
Calgary Flames vs. Montreal Canadiens: A Battle of Frustrating Struggles
The Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens have both endured underwhelming starts to their respective seasons, struggling to find consistency on either end of the ice. With records that reflect their challenges, the Flames (6-5-1) sit mid-pack in the Pacific Division, while the Canadiens (4-7-1) have plummeted to the bottom of the Atlantic, losing three consecutive games. But which of these two teams will find a way to break out of their slump in this upcoming matchup?
Calgary Flames: Offense and Defense Both in Need of Improvement
The Calgary Flames entered the 2024-2025 season with high expectations but have found themselves mired in mediocrity due to a lack of both offensive production and defensive consistency. Scoring only 2.83 goals per game, Calgary ranks in the lower half of the league in offensive efficiency. While forwards Jonathan Huberdeau, Conor Zary, and Anthony Mantha have combined for a respectable 11 goals and 11 assists, the Flames’ offensive output remains too reliant on a few key players. Beyond the trio, only four skaters have contributed more than four goals, leaving the Flames vulnerable to defensive schemes that limit their scoring threats.
Despite having some offensive issues, Calgary’s defensive problems have been even more pronounced. Allowing 3.17 goals per game, the Flames’ back-end has been porous, with too many breakdowns in coverage and an inability to protect their netminder. Rasmus Andersson and Kevin Bahl have been the primary anchors of the defense, with a combined 3.6 defensive point shares (DPS), but the overall defensive unit remains inconsistent. Opponents have found too many open lanes and clear shooting opportunities, and this has put added pressure on goaltender Dustin Wolf.
Wolf, in particular, has had his struggles. With a .907 save percentage and a 3.19 goals-against average (GAA), the young goaltender has faced a significant number of high-quality shots, and while he has saved 1.5 goals above average, those numbers don’t inspire confidence. Calgary’s defensive zone coverage issues have led to Wolf facing 172 shots in just 12 games, exacerbating his struggles between the pipes.
Montreal Canadiens: A Defensive Meltdown and an Anemic Offense
While the Calgary Flames have been challenged at both ends of the ice, the Montreal Canadiens’ issues are even more glaring on defense. The Canadiens’ offense, which ranks near the bottom of the league with only 2.75 goals per game, is also underperforming. Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky have been the bright spots, contributing 15 goals and 17 assists. However, similar to the Flames, Montreal’s attack has been hindered by a lack of depth. Only three other skaters have scored more than four goals, leaving their offensive production too concentrated in the hands of a few players.
But it is Montreal’s defense that is truly struggling, with the Canadiens allowing a league-worst 4.08 goals per game. In their past three games, Montreal has given up an alarming 17 goals, a trend that shows no signs of abating. Mike Matheson and Lane Hutson have been decent contributors, combining for 3.4 DPS, but the rest of the Canadiens’ defense corps has been porous at best. Opponents have had little difficulty finding space in the Montreal zone, and the Canadiens’ defensive zone coverage has been one of the most significant factors in their poor record.
The performance of goaltender Samuel Montembeault has also been a major concern. With a save percentage of just .894 and a GAA of 3.43, Montembeault has struggled to handle the high volume of shots he faces. On 207 shots in 12 games, Montembeault has allowed far too many pucks to slip through, contributing to the team’s inability to stay competitive. Like Wolf in Calgary, Montembeault’s individual stats don’t reflect the full extent of the issues in front of him.
Conclusion
Both teams are desperately seeking to turn things around, and this matchup could provide an opportunity for either the Flames or the Canadiens to gain some momentum. Calgary will need to find a way to balance their offense and defense, while Montreal will have to drastically improve its porous back end. Both teams are capable of better play, but their current form suggests that this game could be a close contest between two teams with significant flaws to address.
For the Flames, the key to success will be improving their defensive zone coverage and providing more support for Wolf in net. For Montreal, tightening up their defense and getting more consistent production from their secondary scoring lines will be crucial. If the Canadiens’ defense continues to leak goals at this rate, it will be an uphill battle for them to find a way to win.
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