Overview
- Montreal opened its four-game homestand with a 4-1 victory over Calgary, getting goals from Alexandre Texier, Lane Hutson, Oliver Kapanen and Cole Caufield as Jacob Fowler made 28 saves.
- The Canadiens are on an 8-2-3 run and sit a season-high 11 games over NHL .500, reinforcing their rise into stronger playoff position.
- Next up is Florida in Montreal after the Canadiens’ Dec. 30 overtime win in Sunrise; the Panthers began a six-game trip with a 4-1 loss in Toronto and are managing injuries, with Brad Marchand leaving Tuesday’s game and Matthew Tkachuk traveling with the team.
- The Ducks’ slide reached six straight defeats with 30 goals allowed during the skid and a minor Petr Mrazek issue reported, while Washington’s 7-4 win over Anaheim (Justin Sourdif hat trick, Alex Ovechkin two goals) was followed by a 4-1 loss to Dallas.
- Philadelphia’s Dan Vladar recorded his 15th win of the season to set a career high and is getting a third consecutive start, signaling a firmer hold on the crease.