Canadiens Game 55: Dach’s Hits The Ice, Ovechkin Heating Up

The Montreal Canadiens (22-24-8) will host the Washington Capitals (23-21-8) on Saturday night at the Bell Centre. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET.

The two teams met earlier in February, a one-sided game that led to a convincing 5-2 win by the Canadiens. Juraj Slafkovsky and Nick Suzuki led the offensive charge, with each player enjoying a two-goal game.

It was yet another encouraging outing from the top line, which has an admirable job dragging the Habs to respectability, even during losing causes. Slafkovsky has scored six goals and four assists in the last six games, whereas Suzuki has produced seven goals and five assists in the last seven games. Cole Caufield hasn’t registered his name on the scoresheet as often as his linemates, but he did score two goals against the New York Rangers on Thursday night.

Mike Matheson has also found his rhythm of late. The smooth-skating defenceman has done a very good job setting up plays in the offensive zone, as evidenced by his six assists in the last five games.

Injured forward Kirby Dach was spotted skating gingerly ahead of the Canadiens practice on Saturday morning. He’s not expected to be ready in time to play a game this season, but it’s still encouraging to see him take to the ice after his ACL and MCL injuries.

Kirby Dach ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/HgZsqfN2Tb

— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) February 17, 2024

Jordan Harris skated at practice, but he was wearing a non-contact jersey, indicating he’s not quite ready to jump back into the lineup.

Goaltender Jake Allen will be given the start for the Habs.

MUST READ: Canadiens Analysis: Slafkovsky Development Since Usage Change

Both Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki took therapy days on Saturday morning, but they should still feature in the lineup facing the Capitals.

Les attaquants Cole Caufield et Nick Suzuki ne participent pas à l'entraînement d'aujourd'hui (journée de traitements).

Forwards Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki are not participating in today's practice (therapy day).

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 17, 2024

Alex Ovechkin may not be the same player he once was, but he’s still one of the best, if not the best goal scorer of all time in the NHL, which means he still has the ability to find his scoring touch at any time.

The Canadiens will have to keep a close eye on him as he has six goals in his last six games.

As for former Hab Max Pacioretty, much like Ovechkin, he’s no longer in his prime years, but he has adapted his game to become a useful player for the Capitals. He only has one goal to his credit this season, but he has managed to generate seven assists in 15 games.

Other than Ovechkin and Pacioretty, the Capitals will look to John Carlson, Dylan Strome, and Anthony Mantha as secondary sources of offence.

Montreal Canadiens Injuries

• Carey Price (IR)
• Chris Wideman (IR)
• Kirby Dach (out indefinitely, ACL/MCL)
• Rafael Harvey-Pinard (4-6 weeks)
• Christian Dvorak (out)
• Jordan Harris (out)

Washington Capitals Injuries

• Evgeny Kuznetsov (out)
• Max Pacioretty (day-to-day)xxx
• Sonny Milano (IR)
• Nicklas Backstrom (IR)

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Washington Capitals Projected Lineup

Ovechkin – Strome – Oshie

Protas – McMichael – Mantha

Pacioretty – Sgarbossa- Milano

Malenstyn – Dowd – Wilson

Defence

Fehervary – Carlson

Sandin – Jensen

Edmundson – Van Riemsdyk

Goalie

Lindgren

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