Canadiens Seeking Fourth Three-Game Win Streak of the Season

The Montreal Canadiens are looking to win three consecutive games for the fourth time this season when they face the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. After enduring a rough stretch of eight losses in nine games (1-7-1), Montreal has bounced back with two straight victories, including a 4-0 shutout of the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday.

Goaltender Sam Montembeault stopped all 20 shots he faced against Carolina, securing his fourth shutout of the season—the most by a Canadiens goalie since Carey Price recorded four in the 2019-20 campaign.

“It wasn’t the most exciting game of the year, but we played a solid and simple game,” Montembeault said. “When everybody’s on board, everybody plays the way we want to play, we can compete with every team.”

Captain Nick Suzuki and Patrik Laine each had a goal and two assists in the win, continuing their strong play. Laine acknowledged the team’s recent improvement, saying, “I think we’ve played some pretty solid hockey. Two wins right away is huge for us.”

Montreal’s turnaround started with a 4-3 victory over San Jose on Feb. 4, when Joel Armia scored the go-ahead goal late in the third period. Montembeault also played a key role in that game, making 27 saves to keep the Sharks at bay.

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Sharks Struggling to Find Answers

The San Jose Sharks have lost six straight games (0-4-2) and 12 of their last 13 (1-10-2), continuing their downward spiral. Their most recent defeat came in a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to Winnipeg on Monday, when the Jets tied the game with just 26 seconds left in regulation before winning in overtime.

Goaltender Vitek Vanecek, who made 36 saves in the loss, remained optimistic despite the tough result.

“For sure you want to win this, (26) seconds or however long (it was) to get the win, but it’s hockey and you never know what’s going to happen,” Vanecek said. “I think the guys play really well, and then I try to do my best to hold it, too, so I think it was a great game by us.”

One of the few bright spots for San Jose has been William Eklund, who scored the team’s lone goal against Winnipeg and extended his point streak to five games (two goals, three assists).

Rookie Macklin Celebrini and veteran Tyler Toffoli led the way against Montreal earlier this month, each recording a goal and an assist in that meeting.

• Toffoli leads the Sharks with 21 goals and has eight points (four goals, four assists) in his last seven games.
• Celebrini leads all NHL rookies with 18 goals and has 42 points, one behind Montreal’s Lane Hutson for the rookie scoring lead despite playing 11 fewer games.

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Key Factors to Watch

• Can Montreal keep its defensive momentum? The Canadiens have allowed just three goals in their last two games.
• Will San Jose snap its losing streak? The Sharks are desperate for a win after multiple close losses.
• Who wins the goaltending battle? Montembeault has been solid for Montreal, while Vanecek has kept San Jose competitive despite the losses.

With Montreal looking to maintain its winning form and San Jose searching for a way to break its slump, this game presents an opportunity for both teams to make a statement.