Canadiens vs. Stars: Habs Aim to Snap Dallas Streak in Crucial Road Trip Finale
The Montreal Canadiens wrap up a grueling seven-game holiday road trip this afternoon, facing a Dallas Stars team that is elite on paper but suddenly vulnerable on the ice. The Stars, tied for second in the Central Division, are reeling from a four-game losing streak, while the injury-plagued Habs look to capitalize and head home with a winning record on their lengthy journey. This matinée clash at the American Airlines Center is a classic trap game with major implications for both teams’ momentum.
For Montreal, this game represents a significant test of their resilience. Despite being without key contributors like Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine, and Kaiden Guhle for months, the Habs have forged a impressive 22-13-6 record, firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. A win against a Western powerhouse would send a strong message about their legitimacy as a playoff contender this season.
Game Preview: Streak vs. Streak
Video Correlato: 🔴 Dallas Stars vs Montreal Canadiens | NHL PLAY BY PLAY | Live Score Update Jan 4
The narrative for this game is defined by conflicting trends. The Dallas Stars boast a dominant 8-3-0 record against Montreal dating back to November 2019, outscoring the Habs 39-26 in that span. However, they enter this contest ice-cold, desperate to halt a four-game skid. The Canadiens, conversely, have shown remarkable consistency given their injury woes and are looking to finish a challenging road trip on a high note.
All eyes will be on the top offensive weapons. Dallas’s Jason Robertson is on a tear with eight points in his last six games and has historically dominated Montreal, notching 10 points in nine career meetings. For the Habs, the dynamic duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield continues to drive the offense. Caufield has mirrored his captain’s production exactly at the halfway mark, with 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) in 40 games.
Key Player Matchups and Injury Report
The battle in the trenches will be decisive. Montreal’s ability to contain Dallas’s deep forward lines, especially with several key defenders sidelined, will be paramount. Conversely, the Stars’ defense must find a way to limit the speed and skill of Suzuki and Caufield, who have carried the offensive load for Montreal.
The injury situation remains a stark contrast between the two clubs. Dallas is largely healthy, while Montreal’s infirmary is crowded. Here’s the latest on the Habs’ wounded:
| Player | Position | Injury | Status | Return Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirby Dach | C | Foot | IR | Earliest Jan 7 |
| Kaiden Guhle | D | Groin | IR | Out Indefinitely |
| Jake Evans | C | Lower-Body | IR | 4-6 Weeks (From Dec 27) |
| Alexandre Texier | LW | Upper-Body | Day-to-Day | Questionable |
| Alex Newhook | C/LW | Undisclosed | IR | Out since November |
Standings and Playoff Implications
Every point is precious as the season moves past its halfway point. For Montreal, securing points against Western Conference opponents is critical for tie-breakers and maintaining their position in a competitive Atlantic Division. A win today would solidify their standing and prove they can compete with the league’s best, even short-handed.
Dallas, despite their recent slump, remains in a strong position at 25-9-7. However, losing streaks can snowball in the tough Central Division, making this home game against an Eastern opponent a near-must-win to stop the bleeding and keep pace with Colorado.
Historical Context and What to Watch
Beyond the current streaks, history favors Dallas in this matchup. Players like Radek Faksa (9 points in 16 games vs. MTL) have found success against the Canadiens. Montreal will need a disciplined, structured game to overcome these historical trends and Dallas’s potent offense.
Key factors to watch include special teams battles, the goaltending duel, and whether Montreal’s supporting cast can step up to provide secondary scoring behind the top line. The performance of young defenseman Lane Hutson, a subject of betting prop picks for his shot total, could also be an X-factor for the Habs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time is the Canadiens vs. Stars game today and where can I watch it?
A: The game is a matinée starting at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, January 4, 2026. It is being played at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Canadian viewers can watch the broadcast on Sportsnet or TVA Sports.
Q: What is the Stars’ recent record against the Canadiens?
A: The Dallas Stars have dominated the recent series, winning eight of the last eleven meetings (8-3-0) dating back to November 2019. They have outscored Montreal 39-26 over that span.
Q: Why are the Canadiens considered underdogs despite the Stars’ losing streak?
A: The Stars’ losing streak is an anomaly for a team with the third-best record in the NHL (25-9-7). Montreal, while having a strong record itself, is missing several key players to injury (Dach, Guhle, Evans, etc.) and is finishing a long seven-game road trip, making them the statistical underdog, especially playing in Dallas.
Q: How have Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki performed this season?
A: Both have been outstanding and perfectly in sync. At the exact halfway point (40 games), both Suzuki and Caufield had recorded identical 40-point totals (20 goals, 20 assists each), leading the team and powering Montreal’s offense.