After missing out on the playoffs for the past three seasons, there’s a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the Montreal Canadiens heading into the new season, especially with the addition of former 40-goal scorer Patrik Laine and the progression of Juraj Slafkovsky.
In December, the Canadiens will play 14 times, with an even split of seven home games and seven on the road. Here are three games* that fans should look forward to during the holiday season.
3. Dec. 20 & Dec. 21 vs. Detroit Red Wings (Home & Home)
The introduction indicated only three must-watch games in December, but their home-and-home set with the Detroit Red Wings is a pivotal moment in the season.
Their showdown on Friday night in the Motor City will be the season’s first meeting between the Original Six franchises. After packing their bags, the two will renew acquaintances 24 hours later at the Bell Centre.
Even though neither franchise qualified for the playoffs in 2023-24, the Red Wings were the Canadiens’ Achilles heel. All four of their contests went into extra time, with Detroit winning in a shootout (once) and overtime (twice).
Montreal’s lone win (overtime) came in the campaign’s first meeting. Considering the Canadiens tied for the league lead in overtime losses, they owe a chuck of that statistic to the Red Wings.
2. Dec. 1 at Boston Bruins
Like the Red Wings, the Canadiens struggled against their closet American-based rival, the Boston Bruins, earning a 1-2-1 record with an overtime win and loss last season.
Although these two clubs meet on the second night of the season at TD Garden in October, they will meet again in Beantown to kick off the December schedule.
Ultimately, Montreal will seek to avenge, at some point this season, last year’s most lopsided defeat, a 9-4 thumping on January 20.
But this time, both teams will feature different lineups, as Laine will be snipping goals from the right side, while the Bruins may or may not have Jeremy Swayman between the pipes, making this historic rivalry more even.
1. Dec. 7 vs. Washington Capitals
Heading into 2024-25, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is just 41 goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s career total of 894. On December 7, he’ll make his only appearance at the Bell Centre, allowing the fans to see him continue his pursuit of the all-time goal record.
After 20 seasons playing against the Canadiens, Ovechkin has scored 38 goals and 67 points in 58 games, including two game-winners.
Last year, Montreal outperformed Ovechkin and the Capitals, winning two out of the three matchups despite the latter sneaking into the post-season.
Considering Washington will get much media attention this season because of the milestone chase, this Saturday night contest downtown will be in front of a packed house.
Are you looking forward to any other games in December? Let us know in the comments!
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