DALLAS | The Canadian ends his seven-game trip away from the Bell Center tonight with a visit to the Stars in Dallas. Martin St-Louis' side will obviously want to end their run of three consecutive defeats.
The task won't be easy as the Texas team is eyeing first place in the Western Association. She has won seven of her last ten games.
This trip got off to a good start for the Habs. In Winnipeg, Minnesota and Chicago he scored five out of six possible points. Things got worse after the Christmas break with losses in Raleigh, Sunrise and Tampa.
Martin St-Louis: “It will be another good challenge. If we end this trip with a win, we will come back with a .500 record. If they had given us this before we left we would have told ourselves it would be a success.
A second consecutive start for Montembeault
For the second year in a row, Samuel Montembeault will take his place in front of the Canadian's net. As the holiday season comes to an end, one might wonder if this isn't a sign that the Quebecer will reclaim his title as number one goalie. He will be looking for a first win since December 16th. Since that game against the Islanders, he has suffered two losses, including one in overtime. He faces Scott Wedgewood.
Photo Martin Chevalier
Caufield is gaining momentum
Has Cole Caufield found his touch? The Canadian's number 22 has hit the target in the last two games. With the exception of the game in Carolina, the American collected a point in every game on this trip. Another goal tonight would be a great way to celebrate his 23rd birthday.
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Pavelsky refuses to grow old
At 39 years old, Joe Pavelski continues to collect his share of points. With 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) in 35 games, he's basically keeping up with one point per game. Half of that was amassed on the power play. Over the years, Pavelski has specialized in occupying the position from which he can block shots or jump on setbacks. You don't have to be a quick trader to produce at this location.
Photo Steph Chambers/Getty Images/AFP
11 attackers left
Due to the upper body injury that has kept Christian Dvorak out of the game since visiting Tampa, Martin St-Louis will once again have to resort to a formation with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen. Against the Lightning, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield were assigned to take on additional work. The two accomplices ran on the court for more than 23 minutes.
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Dadonov installed well
Evgenii Dadonov was acquired from the Canadiens at the trade deadline in exchange for Denis Gurianov and offers the Stars a respectable return. Deployed in the third unit, he has already scored more goals (8) than in the entire last season.
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