Event Preview
Overview
The Montreal Canadiens are set to host the Vancouver Canucks on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7:30 PM EST (4:30 PM PST) at the Bell Centre in Montreal. This matchup is significant for both teams as they navigate their respective seasons. The Canadiens, currently in the Atlantic Division, are aiming to solidify their position in the standings, while the Canucks, from the Pacific Division, are looking to break a six-game losing streak. (abcnews.go.com)
Season Snapshot
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens have a record of 25 wins, 14 losses, and 6 overtime losses, placing them in the upper tier of the Atlantic Division. They have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, averaging 3.3 goals per game, ranking them sixth in the league. Defensively, they've conceded 3.2 goals per game, positioning them 23rd in the NHL. (foxsports.com)
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks hold a record of 16 wins, 23 losses, and 5 overtime losses, placing them lower in the Pacific Division standings. Offensively, they average 2.7 goals per game, ranking 28th in the league. Defensively, they've allowed 3.6 goals per game, which is 30th in the NHL. (foxsports.com)
Recent Form
Montreal Canadiens
In their last ten games, the Canadiens have posted a 6-2-2 record, averaging 3.7 goals and 6.1 assists per game. They've been relatively disciplined, averaging 4.3 penalties and 11.1 penalty minutes per game. Defensively, they've allowed an average of 2.7 goals per game. (washingtonpost.com)
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have struggled recently, with a 2-6-2 record in their last ten games. They've averaged 2.3 goals and 3.8 assists per game during this stretch. Discipline has been an issue, averaging 3.5 penalties and 7.9 penalty minutes per game. Defensively, they've conceded an average of 3.8 goals per game. (washingtonpost.com)
Talking Points
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Canucks' Losing Streak: Vancouver enters this game on a six-game losing streak, raising questions about their ability to turn things around. (abcnews.go.com)
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Canadiens' Offensive Prowess: Montreal's high-scoring offense will be tested against Vancouver's struggling defense.
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Special Teams Battle: Both teams have shown vulnerabilities on special teams; Montreal's power play ranks 13th in the league, while Vancouver's penalty kill is 15th. (foxsports.com)
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Goaltending Matchup: The performance of both teams' goalies will be crucial, especially given Vancouver's recent defensive struggles.
Players to Watch
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Nick Suzuki (Montreal Canadiens): With 14 goals and 34 assists, Suzuki leads the Canadiens in points and will be pivotal in their offensive strategy. (foxsports.com)
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Juraj Slafkovsky (Montreal Canadiens): Over the last ten games, Slafkovsky has contributed six goals and eight assists, showcasing his growing impact. (washingtonpost.com)
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Kiefer Sherwood (Vancouver Canucks): Leading the Canucks with 17 goals and six assists, Sherwood will be central to Vancouver's offensive efforts. (washingtonpost.com)
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Linus Karlsson (Vancouver Canucks): In the past ten games, Karlsson has scored five goals and added three assists, indicating a potential for increased production. (washingtonpost.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Offensive vs. Defensive Dynamics: Montreal's potent offense faces Vancouver's leaky defense, which has allowed 3.6 goals per game. (foxsports.com)
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Special Teams Impact: Both teams have shown weaknesses on special teams; Montreal's power play ranks 13th, while Vancouver's penalty kill is 15th. (foxsports.com)
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Goaltending Performance: The effectiveness of both teams' goalies will be crucial, especially given Vancouver's recent defensive struggles.
Fun Facts
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Canucks' Road Record: Vancouver has a 12-11-2 record in road games this season. (abcnews.go.com)
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Canadiens' Home Record: Montreal holds a 12-10-1 record at home this season. (abcnews.go.com)
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Previous Matchup: In their last meeting on October 25, 2025, the Canadiens secured a 4-3 victory over the Canucks. (nhl.com)
Things to Chirp About
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"Can the Canucks snap their six-game losing streak tonight?"
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"Is Suzuki's playmaking enough to overcome Vancouver's defensive woes?"
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"Will Montreal's power play exploit Vancouver's penalty kill?"
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"How will the goaltending matchup influence the game's outcome?"
Prediction
Given Montreal's strong offensive performance and Vancouver's recent struggles, the Canadiens are likely to secure a victory. However, Vancouver's potential to break their losing streak adds an element of unpredictability to the matchup.