Canadiens Face Panthers in NHL Playoff Push

The Montreal Canadiens are set to face the Florida Panthers in a crucial matchup as they aim to maintain their playoff hopes. The Canadiens have demonstrated strong defensive play, allowing only 21 goals over their past nine games, which is critical against the Panthers, who have also excelled defensively, conceding just 12 goals in the same timeframe. The Canadiens will be without rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes, replaced by Samuel Montembeault, who struggles against the Panthers historically. Joel Armia is returning to the lineup after recovering from injury, and the team is experimenting with new line combinations to boost their offense. As both teams have shown defensive strength, analysts predict a low-scoring game, possibly ending with a score like 3-1. This game is crucial for the Canadiens, as they have three more matchups against the Panthers in their remaining schedule.