Habs Looking To End A Long Drought In Minnesota

The fact that they have already ended one streak gives hope that they can do it again, as this Canadiens team is the most skilled on paper since 2011. Sure, some teams may have had more success over the years, but their lack of skill was masked by the amazing goaltending of Carey Price during his prime. Nonetheless, tonight’s game will be a tough one as the Wild have a very skilled roster themselves, and unlike 2 weeks ago in Montreal, they will also have key pieces like Joel Eriksson EK and Matt Boldy back in the lineup after recovering from injuries recently.

The Canadiens will go back to Jakub Dobes tonight as their starting netminder for his 4th straight start, as he hopes to remain undefeated in regulation for a 10th consecutive game. Dobes has an 8-0-1 record in his last 9 games, including winning his last 6 starts, which is also tied for the longest winning streak of his young career. His current streak also includes the 4-3 victory against the Wild on January 20th. Will Dobes be able to continue his streak and help the Canadiens end their long-standing drought in Minnesota?

There has yet to be an announcement on whether Alexandre Texier will return to the Canadiens lineup after missing Saturday night’s game with a minor lower-body injury that has been listed as day-to-day. He remains a game-time decision for tonight. If he is unable to go, the lineup should be the same as Saturday in Buffalo.

In nets for the Wild tonight will be Filip Gustavsson, who has won 4 of his last 5 starts. He has put up a 2.98 GAA and .901 save percentage in that time. With that being said, despite getting the wins in his recent games, Dobes has the edge on him in their latest games. If the Habs can pepper Gustavsson with shots, they should be able to find the back of the net at least 3 times with the way the team’s offence has been going. However, in his last appearance against the Habs, Gustavsson had a 19-save shutout in a 4-0 victory, but that was before the Canadiens started to take off in December, and they have yet to go back since.

The Under 6.5 goals seem like a good bet for tonight’s matchup as Dobes continues to stay hot and Gustavsson has been solid all season long. Therefore, we should expect a goaltending battle in tonight’s game. As for the money line, the Habs are set as +115 road underdogs as they look to snap their 12-game losing streak in Minnesota.

Kirby Dach had an amazing game on Saturday playing with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. If he plays with them again tonight, a bet on Dach to get a goal against the Wild would be a great sleeper bet. His line to score a goal is listed at +450 for tonight’s game.

It will be a tough game in Minnesota, but the Habs have the right players to end their 12-game drought tonight. What are your predictions for the Habs vs. Wild matchup?