Overview
- David Pastrnak called the Montreal game the most important of the season and a must-win, a message echoed by defenseman Nikita Zadorov.
- The Bruins are 20-16-1 with 41 points after a 6-2 loss to Ottawa, leaving them just outside a playoff spot in a tightly packed Eastern Conference.
- Head coach Marco Sturm said he felt embarrassed by Sunday’s result and predicted a strong response from his team against Montreal.
- Montreal is 19-12-5 and is expected to start rookie goalie Jacob Fowler, who owns a .915 save percentage in four NHL starts and posted a shutout Saturday.
- Boston won the first meeting 3-2 in Montreal on Nov. 15, a game marked by injuries including Charlie McAvoy’s facial fracture.