Capital Showdown: Canadiens Clash with Capitals at Capital One

As the Montreal Canadiens prepare to face off against the Washington Capitals, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying match-up. The Canadiens, coming off a recent victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 23rd, where they scored an impressive 5 goals and demonstrated a solid powerplay strength, are looking to carry that momentum into their next game.

In their clash with the Blackhawks, MTL showcased a remarkable shooting percentage of 18 percent and dominated faceoffs with a winning percentage of 57 percent. Their performance in the second period was particularly noteworthy as they netted 3 goals, setting the pace for their eventual triumph. The defensive side was equally impressive; they blocked a total of 17 shots and maintained discipline by committing only two penalties throughout the game.

The Habs' goaltending cannot be overlooked either; saving all but two of the shots faced resulted in an impeccable save percentage. This level of goaltending will be crucial when facing WSH's offensive firepower.

However, it's not just about one game's success. Looking back at MTL's performance against Minnesota Wild on December 22nd and Winnipeg Jets on December 19th reveals some areas for improvement. While they secured wins in both games, there were fluctuations in their powerplay effectiveness and faceoff win percentages that need attention if they want to maintain consistency against stronger teams like WSH.

The Capitals will certainly pose a challenge; however, based on recent performances by MTL – especially their resilience in bouncing back from deficits – fans can expect them to enter Capital One Arena with confidence and determination.

MTL must capitalize on powerplays as they did during these past games while also tightening up defensively to limit WSH’s scoring opportunities. Maintaining control during faceoffs will also be key – it’s an area where MTL has shown proficiency and can help them set up plays or clear pucks effectively.

As we look ahead to February 7th when these two teams collide at Capital One Arena in Washington DC at midnight UTC (7 PM Eastern Time), it is clear that this match could go either way. But given Montreal Canadiens' recent surge and strategic playmaking abilities demonstrated in previous outings, there is reason for optimism among fans who eagerly await another thrilling hockey night.

For those unable to attend this highly anticipated battle live can catch all the action via broadcast networks MNMT channel 642 or stream nationally through ESPN+.