The Montreal Canadiens are facing persistent challenges at home, particularly at the iconic Centre Bell. Fans are reminded of the glory days of the old Forum as their team has struggled significantly on home ice, with their latest victory dating back to January 21. Despite being back on their home turf, they have suffered five consecutive losses, bringing their home record to 13 wins, 12 losses, and 4 overtime losses. This has left the team languishing at the 13th position in the Eastern Conference.
The Canadiens are gearing up for their next two matchups at home against the Carolina Hurricanes and the San Jose Sharks, but fans are understandably anxious. The latest reports indicate the likely return of some players following the recent Four Nations break. Nevertheless, the team's home struggles remain troubling, as their performance at Centre Bell continues to be less than stellar.
Historically, the Canadiens used to thrive at the Forum but have since found it challenging to replicate their past success at their current arena. The figures tell the story—a disappointing overall record of 57 wins, 79 losses, and 16 overtime losses at home since the 2020 season. To put this in perspective, the 2020-2021 season was the last time the team ended with at least .500 at home, achieving 13 wins, 11 losses, and 4 overtime losses, but without fans present during those games.
For many, this current stretch brings back memories of the Canadiens' former home advantage. The upcoming games represent both an opportunity and a challenge, as they are set to face opponents who have previously found success on Montreal's ice. The Hurricanes have won their last four meetings at the Centre Bell and boast nine consecutive victories against the Canadiens overall. Meanwhile, the Sharks have not lost to Montreal since March 21, 2015.
Adding to Montreal's challenges are the struggles of key players. Kirby Dach, once seen as a potential strong competitor for the top center position alongside Nick Suzuki, is dealing with significant setbacks. Reportedly returning from a severe knee injury, he has recorded a concerning -29 differential this season. Criticism has arisen around his work ethic, indicating he may not be performing at the level expected of him.
Recently, sports journalist Anthony Marcotte proposed shaking things up by swapping Dach and Suzuki's roles on the line. "Amenons Dach et Slafkovsky ensemble. On a déjà vu de beaux flashs quand Dach est au sommet de sa forme," he stated, signaling hope for rekindling the chemistry witnessed previously between Dach and teammate Slafkovsky. This shift could reinvigorate the Canadiens’ play, especially if paired with talented players like Cole Caufield and the possible addition of Patrik Laine to the roster, as discussed by Marcotte.
Marcotte’s strategic recommendation hints at the need for change within the squad. He believes this could break the team's current routine, allowing for new dynamics during play. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Dach’s ability to return effectively from his injury, fans and commentators seem eager for the changes and hope to find some inspiration from their current roster once again.
The sentiment surrounding the Canadiens hasn't fully turned negative; there remains cautious optimism as the community wants to support their players. The unique struggles at Centre Bell are not just confined to the team; they reflect the hopes and frustrations of passionate Canadiens fans. Only time will tell if the adjustments proposed will usher the Canadiens back to their winning ways, as both the team and its supporters yearn for success at home.
Without question, the coming matches will be pivotal. Can the Canadiens break their home-ice curse, or will the ghosts of past failures continue to haunt them? Only the next few games will reveal whether the Canadiens can overcome their challenges and reclaim their dominance at Centre Bell.