Montreal vs Carolina: The Canadiens won’t let the Hurricanes play hockey

Montreal at the start of the new championship are looking simply awful. If this keeps up, the club where the first coaching resignation will happen is clear. Will the Canadiens finally manage to prove themselves against Carolina? We’ll pick a few options to bet on at once.

The start of the season for last year’s Stanley Cup finalist is simply awful. Four defeats already, all in regulation time, with a combined score of 3-15. First, Dominique Ducharme’s team had disappointing back-to-back Toronto and Buffalo away games, 1-2, 1-5. Then, on home ice, they narrowly missed going into overtime against the Rangers, 1-3, and were crushed by San Jose, 0-5. In the meeting with the Sharks, the outcome was already decided by the 4th minute, when the Sharks scored their second goal. Last season, of course, was a great one for Montreal, but this one should start playing as well.

In addition to the hangover from last season’s championship success, which is still fresh in their minds, Montreal have to deal with the roster reshuffle as well. Price’s injury is fine. The goalie hasn’t been much use during the last regular season. But the changes in the offensive lineup, meanwhile, have been extremely painful. However, they’ve replaced Perry and Danault with great performers like Dvorak and Hoffman. It’s worth giving Montreal a little more time.

Rod Brind’amour’s team is off to a strong start with two straight wins. That said, there have been far more serious changes to Carolina’s roster than the Canadiens. First, the Hurricanes beat the Islanders 6-3 on home ice. Then they snatched a win in Nashville, 3-2. It is worth mentioning that Andrei Svechnikov scored three goals in two games. The young Russian continues to make progress, which will certainly be pleasing.

In addition, it is important to note that in both away games, Carolina played outstandingly in the third period. Both the Islanders and the Predators scored two goals apiece in the final period. This shows that the Hurricanes are capable of adding at key moments.

Carolina are a very strong team that will be extremely difficult for Montreal, who are deplorable. Nevertheless, another outright failure could hurt far more than help a potential win. The Canadiens will surely do everything in their power to avoid a blowout and play their defense to the bone. While the Hurricanes’ upcoming matchup is fairly routine, it’s turning into a life-and-death contest for Montreal.

We predict that the Canadiens will impose a tough game on the Hurricanes, score nothing, and concede as little as possible.

• Total Under 6 for 2.00;
• Individual Total 2 Under 3 for 1.74.