The Montreal Canadiens, entering their March 22, 2025, home game against the Colorado Avalanche, have exhibited a season characterized by resilience and a steadfast commitment to improvement, as evidenced by their 33-27-7 record. Under the guidance of head coach Martin St. Louis, the Canadiens have embraced a blend of youthful exuberance and veteran experience to navigate the challenges of a competitive Eastern Conference. Offensively, the team has been propelled by the remarkable performances of forward Cole Caufield, whose 33 goals underscore his evolution into a premier NHL sniper. Caufield’s ability to find open ice and release quick, accurate shots has been a focal point of Montreal’s attack. Complementing Caufield’s goal-scoring prowess is captain Nick Suzuki, whose 49 assists highlight his vision and playmaking skills, making him an indispensable asset in both even-strength and power-play situations. The Canadiens’ offense, averaging 3.0 goals per game, has also benefited from the contributions of emerging talents like Juraj Slafkovský, whose physicality and net-front presence have added a new dimension to the team’s forward group. Defensively, Montreal has faced challenges, allowing an average of 3.1 goals per game. However, the steady presence of defenseman Mike Matheson, logging significant ice time at 24:58 per game, has provided stability. Matheson’s ability to transition the puck and his defensive acumen have been vital in anchoring the blue line alongside young defenders like Kaiden Guhle and Jordan Harris, who are developing into dependable NHL regulars with increased responsibilities and physical maturity. Behind them, goaltender Samuel Montembeault has taken the reins with poise, turning in several strong performances this season, including four shutouts, and holding a .901 save percentage despite often facing high shot volumes due to defensive breakdowns or long shifts in the defensive zone.

Montembeault’s athleticism and growing confidence have made him a key factor in Montreal’s ability to stay in games, particularly at home where the Bell Centre crowd fuels energy into the lineup. Special teams have continued to trend upward for the Canadiens, as their power play, converting at 21%, has found rhythm with quick puck movement and effective zone entries, thanks to the top unit’s cohesion led by Suzuki, Caufield, and Matheson. The penalty kill, operating at 82%, has also tightened up, becoming more aggressive on the puck and showing better lane coverage and second-effort clears—critical improvements that have helped Montreal steal momentum during close games. The Canadiens have been an especially gritty team at home, covering the spread in seven of their last ten games, often outcompeting more talented opponents with hustle, forechecking pressure, and timely goal scoring. That energy will be vital against a Colorado Avalanche team stacked with high-end offensive talent, and Montreal’s strategy will likely center on limiting the time and space of elite forwards like Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen while capitalizing on counterattacks created through neutral zone turnovers. Puck management will be key—Montreal cannot afford to give up easy entries or make mistakes at their own blue line, where Colorado thrives in exploiting poor defensive gaps. St. Louis will also stress discipline, knowing that any unnecessary penalties could be costly against one of the NHL’s most efficient power plays, and the Canadiens will need a strong outing from their penalty killers to keep this contest close. From an identity standpoint, Montreal has taken significant strides this season in building chemistry and shaping a culture built on compete level, creativity, and accountability, and this matchup presents a valuable test for a group still aiming to push deeper into the playoff conversation. If they can lean on their top performers, get strong goaltending from Montembeault, and win the physical and possession battles early, the Canadiens will have a legitimate shot to upset one of the West’s most dangerous teams and collect two massive points in their postseason pursuit. With a playoff atmosphere expected in the Bell Centre and a maturing core eager to prove it can hang with the league’s best, Montreal’s blend of youthful firepower and growing structure makes them a dangerous team for any opponent—especially on home ice where they’ve consistently risen to the occasion.