Canadiens Preview & Lines: Montembeault Start, Laine Uncertain

The Montreal Canadiens (20-18-3) are set to face the Dallas Stars (26-13-3) at the Bell Centre, with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET.

It’s the second leg of back-to-back games, and thanks to a solid performance by rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes, the Canadiens managed to beat the surging Washington Capitals 3-2 in overtime on Friday. Dobes didn’t have to face as many shots as expected, because the Habs put together one of their best defensive efforts of the season, limiting the Capitals to just six high-danger chances at 5v5.

Cole Caufield scored his 23rd goal of the season, while Josh Anderson contributed with a perfectly-timed shorthanded goal, and as per tradition, captain Nick Suzuki secured the win with another game-winning goal in overtime.

Saturday’s game will be a little tricky, because on top of having to travel, the Habs only arrived in Montreal at 2 am ET, which suggests the afternoon naps may be a little longer than usual.

We’ll have to wait for the warm-up to see whether Patrik Laine (flu) or David Savard (upper-body) will return to the lineup, but beyond the game-time decisions, we should expect Samuel Montembeault to receive the start versus the Stars.

It should be noted that both Michael Pezzetta and Jayden Struble, the players who replaced the aforementioned injured skaters in the last stretch, were both given limited ice time on Friday following a pair of ill-timed penalties.

ON TOPIC: Habs Highlights – Dobes Shines, Suzuki Captain Clutch

This will be the first of two meeting between the Canadiens and the Stars, with a rematch scheduled on January 16 in Dallas.

The Stars are the type of team that flies under the radar for Eastern Conference fans, however, it must be said that their slow but steady rebuild strategy is starting to pay dividends. They don’t get as much credit as the Edmonton Oilers, or the Colorado Avalanche, but the Stars also have 53 points this season, as well as a game in hand on both teams.

They’re in the midst of a six game winning streak, and have done a great job beating up on Eastern Conference teams, including several of the organizations the Canadiens have recently leapfrogged in the standings.

Matt Duchene leads the Stars in scoring with 16 goals and 22 assists, though it’s clear the team scores by committee, as nine players have managed to register their name on the scoresheet 20 times or more this season.

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Dallas Stars Projected Lineup

Robertson – Hintz – Dadonov

Benn – Duchene – Johnston

Steel – Bourque – Stankoven

Back – Hyry – Blackwell

Heiskanen – Lyubushkin

Lindell – Lundkvist

Harley – Dumba

Oettinger

How to Watch The Montreal Canadiens vs. The Dallas Stars, Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Game 42 of the regular season will be aired on City TV, Sportsnet East, and TVA Sports. Once the game is over, an instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Montreal Hockey Now.