SAINT PAUL | Two games on two evenings. This is what awaits the Canadian before the Christmas break. First stop tonight in Minnesota, where he hasn't won since March 20, 2011.
The stars appear to be aligned to end this losing streak as the Habs look for a third straight win for the first time this season. A win would potentially allow Martin St-Louis' men to move within a point of last place and gain access to the playoffs.
This is the second and final meeting of the season between the Canadiens and the Wild. During his visit in October, Marc-André Fleury scored a 5-2 win. On this occasion, Emil Heineman will play his first game in the NHL. He will take Michael Pezzetta's place in training.
Here are five things to keep in mind when playing today.
1. Second trio on fire
Given Josh Anderson's lethargy and Jake Evans' (apparently) more defensive style, we wouldn't have thought such a contribution was possible. But the trio they form with Sean Monahan strikes a spark. Anderson, who has scored three goals in the last two games, seems particularly pleased.
Photo Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP
2. Montembeault in battle
The Canadiens' number one goaltender will start for the third time in four games. He allowed five goals on 35 shots during the Wild's visit to the Bell Center on October 17. He meets Filip Gustavsson.
Photo Martin Chevalier
3. The Wild reissued
After a very difficult start to the season, the Wild pulled themselves together. A resurrection that coincides with the arrival of John Hynes behind the bench. Under his leadership, the Wild have a record of 8-3-0. He is now only four points short of a playoff spot.
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4. In the race for Calder
When it comes to the next Calder Trophy recipient, Connor Bedard obviously agrees. However, Brock Faber is likely to get his share of the vote. The Wild defenseman took advantage of some injuries on the blue line to become an indispensable player. The 21-year-old defenseman is the most used rookie in the NHL, averaging 24 minutes and 21 seconds per game.
Getty Images via AFP
5. Special forces in difficulty level
On Monday against the Jets, the special teams played a key role in the Canadian's victory. The chances of them continuing this momentum are good, as the Wild are struggling just as much as the Habs in this department. The Minnesotans' penalty kill ranks 31st in the NHL (72.2%), while their mass offense ranks 23rd (17.2%).
Getty Images via AFP
Planned lineup for tonight's game:
Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Monahan-Evans-Anderson
Armia-Dvorak-Gallagher
Heineman-Stephens-Ylönen
Matheson Savard
Guhle Barron
Struble Kovacevic
Montembeault