Canadiens Look to Sweep Lightning Before 4 Nations Face-Off Break
The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up for their final game before the 4 Nations Face-Off break, with the Tampa Bay Lightning visiting the Bell Centre on Sunday, February 9, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
After securing two victories over Tampa Bay earlier this season, Montreal will be looking for a season sweep of their Atlantic Division rivals.
Game Facts and Details
Date & Time: Sunday, February 9 at 1:00 p.m. ETย
Location:Bell Centre, Montreal, QCย ย
TV & Streaming: TSN2, RDSย ย
Radio: TSN 690, 98.5 FM
The game will be a special one for families, as part of Family Weekend in collaboration with Parc Omega and Tim Hortons. Children will take center stage at the Bell Centre, with national anthems sung by students and a young Canadiens Fan Club member serving as the mini in-game host. Fans will also be treated to childhood photos of players, offering a unique and fun atmosphere.
To complement the early game time, various Bell Centre restaurants will be offering special brunch menus starting at 11:00 a.m. Fans can make reservations at their preferred restaurant via a link on the Canadiens’ website.
Recent Team Form
The Tampa Bay Lightning have found their groove in February, collecting seven out of a possible eight points in the first four games of the month. With a three-game win streak, including victories over the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings, the Lightning are currently in third place in the Atlantic Division. Tampa Bay is four points ahead of the playoff cutoff and will be looking to further strengthen their position on Sunday.
On the other hand, the Canadiens have been struggling at home recently. After suffering back-to-back shutouts at the Bell Centre, Montreal has only won one of their last eight games and is averaging fewer than two goals per game during that stretch.
Facing one of the NHLโs top goaltenders, Andrei Vasilevskiy, will be a tough challenge, but the Canadiens will aim to continue their successful run against the Lightning.
Montreal has managed to score eight goals on Tampa Bayโs goalies this season, a trend they will hope to maintain.
Players to Watch
Brandon Hagel has been on fire for Tampa Bay, scoring six goals in his last five games. He will also be representing Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off and will be a key player to watch as the Lightning continue their push for a higher playoff spot.
For the Canadiens, Jake Evans has been a standout against the Lightning this season. The defensive centerman has scored in both games against Tampa Bay, including the game-winning goal in Montrealโs 3-2 victory on January 21.
With the team struggling to generate offense, Evans’ strong performance could be crucial to getting the Canadiens back into the win column.
With both teams heading into the game with something to prove, Sundayโs matchup at the Bell Centre promises to be an exciting affair.
The Canadiens will look to break their home slump and complete a season sweep of the Lightning, while Tampa Bay seeks to extend their impressive February form and solidify their playoff position.
Fans can look forward to a family-friendly atmosphere and hopefully, a thrilling victory for the home team.