Wild Aim to Extend Dominance Over Canadiens in Montreal Clash
MONTREAL, January 20, 2026 – The Minnesota Wild, fresh off an offensive outburst in Toronto, arrive in Montreal to face a Canadiens squad looking to snap one of the most lopsided streaks in recent NHL history. The Wild have won 18 of their last 19 meetings against Montreal and carry a nine-game winning streak into Tuesday night’s contest at the Bell Centre.
Game Preview
The matchup pits two of the league’s top teams, with the Wild sitting third overall with 65 points and the Canadiens close behind with 61. Minnesota is riding high after a 6-3 victory over the Maple Leafs on Monday, a game highlighted by veteran forward Marcus Foligno’s first career NHL hat trick. The Wild will be playing the second game of a back-to-back, while the Canadiens are well-rested, having not played since a dramatic 6-5 overtime win against Ottawa on Saturday.
Key Facts & Team Status
| Minnesota Wild (28-13-9) | Montreal Canadiens (27-15-7) |
|---|---|
| Projected Starter: Jesper Wallstedt (12-4-4, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%) | Projected Starter: Jakub Dobes |
| Leading Scorer: Kirill Kaprizov (57 PTS: 25 G, 32 A) | Leading Scorer: Nick Suzuki (54 PTS: 15 G, 39 A) |
| Key Injuries: Joel Eriksson Ek (C, lower body), Matt Boldy (LW, undisclosed), Marcus Johansson (LW, lower body), Jonas Brodin (D, lower body), Zach Bogosian (D, undisclosed). | Key Injuries: Patrik Laine (RW, abdomen), Alex Newhook (C, ankle), Alexandre Texier (LW, lower body). |
| Recent Form: W 6-3 @ TOR (Jan 19). 4-3-3 in last 10. | Recent Form: W 6-5 (OT) vs OTT (Jan 17). 6-3-1 in last 10. |
A History of Wild Dominance
The historical advantage for Minnesota in this series is stark. Their 18-1-0 record against Montreal over the past 19 games includes the current nine-game win streak. A victory on Tuesday would mark the third time in franchise history the Wild have beaten an opponent ten consecutive times. Montreal’s struggles in the matchup represent the franchise’s second-longest losing streak against a single opponent.
Players in Focus
For the Wild, all eyes will be on Marcus Foligno, who doubled his season goal total with his three-goal performance in Toronto. Vladimir Tarasenko is also hot, riding a three-game, six-point streak. With key scorers Eriksson Ek and Boldy out, secondary scoring will be crucial.
The Canadiens will rely on captain Nick Suzuki and the momentum from their comeback victory over Ottawa, their sixth win this season when trailing in the third period. Coach Martin St. Louis has praised his team’s resilience but acknowledged the need to avoid such precarious situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Wild vs. Canadiens game?
The game is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
How can I watch the game?
National broadcast information is to be determined. Local broadcasts will be available on Bally Sports North (Wild) and TSN (Canadiens).
Why are the Wild so successful against the Canadiens?
The Wild have employed an effective defensive structure and forecheck that has historically disrupted Montreal’s play. Coach John Hynes emphasized a game plan focused on limiting odd-man rushes and controlling the neutral zone, tactics that were successful in their recent win over Toronto.
Who is expected to start in goal?
With Filip Gustavsson starting Monday in Toronto, rookie Jesper Wallstedt is the probable starter for Minnesota. For Montreal, Jakub Dobes is favoured to get the nod after Sam Montembeault started on Saturday.