The Montreal Canadiens aim to return to their winning ways and strengthen their defense as they face the New Jersey Devils on Thursday at 7 p.m. They currently hold a 9-3-1 record and lead the Atlantic Division.
The Canadiens recently lost 5-4 in a shootout at home against the Philadelphia Flyers. After falling behind 3-0 in the first period, Montreal rallied with four goals in the second. The Flyers tied the game midway through the third period.
Montreal was outshot 42-20 but dominated faceoffs 38-20. Their power play contributed significantly, converting 2 of 4 opportunities, while their penalty kill was effective at 4-for-6. The power play sparked the Canadiens' momentum, with Kirby Dach earning the third star honors by scoring twice.
The New Jersey Devils hold a 9-4 record and top the Metropolitan Division. They recently fell 4-1 to the Anaheim Ducks on the road. Trailing 3-0 entering the third period, the Devils scored once mid-period but conceded an empty-net goal at the end.
The main statistics were close, with the Devils outshooting the Ducks 33-29. New Jersey's special teams saw them go 0-for-1 on the power play and a perfect 2-for-2 on the penalty kill. Both sides blocked many shots, but some Devils' key offensive players recorded negative plus/minus ratings.
The power play was a big reason the Canadians got back in this game, and it got the offensive momentum going for the rest of the game.
Summary: The Canadiens and Devils both aim to rebound from recent losses, with Montreal relying on a strong power play and New Jersey hoping to improve key players' performances.
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