Canadiens End Losing Streak Against Kings
Before the recent matchup on March 7, 2026, the Montreal Canadiens faced a daunting challenge against the Los Angeles Kings, having lost nine consecutive games to them. The expectation was that the Kings would continue their dominance, especially with Anze Kopitar scoring early in the game.
However, the decisive moment came late in the third period when the Canadiens scored twice to clinch a 4-3 victory. Nick Suzuki netted the tiebreaking goal with just 4:33 remaining, showcasing the Canadiens’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Juraj Slafkovsky played a pivotal role in this turnaround, scoring his second goal of the game and assisting on Suzuki’s crucial goal. This performance marked Slafkovsky’s 50th point of the season, making him the first Canadiens player to achieve three 50-point seasons before turning 22.
Jakub Dobes was instrumental in the Canadiens’ success, making 35 saves and achieving a save percentage of .923. His efforts were vital in keeping the Kings at bay, especially as they had been struggling, losing seven of their last nine games prior to this encounter.
On the Kings’ side, Alex Laferriere initially gave them hope by scoring the tiebreaking goal early in the third period. Scott Laughton also made an impact in his debut for the Kings, scoring a goal after being traded from Toronto. Despite these contributions, the Kings could not maintain their lead.
The game was particularly significant for the Canadiens, as it marked their NHL-leading 20th comeback victory of the season. This win not only ended their losing streak against the Kings but also provided a much-needed boost in confidence.
Phillip Danault, returning to Los Angeles, received a lukewarm reception, reflecting the mixed emotions surrounding his departure. Meanwhile, Kopitar’s struggles continued, as he had gone 21 games without a goal, further emphasizing the Kings’ recent difficulties.
Looking ahead, the Canadiens will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night, aiming to build on this momentum. The Kings, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their recent performance issues.
As the season progresses, the implications of this game will be closely monitored, particularly for both teams’ playoff aspirations. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential trades or roster changes that may arise from this matchup.
