Canadiens Visit Dallas Looking to Snap Early Season Slide

The Montreal Canadiens roll into Dallas on Thursday night searching for answers after a rocky start to the 2026-27 campaign. Meanwhile, the Stars are finding their groove at home, where they've been money in the bank early this season.

Montreal's offense has sputtered out of the gate, averaging barely two goals per game through their first handful of contests. When you can't score, you can't win—it's that simple. The Habs' power play has been particularly anemic, and that's a problem when you're facing a Stars squad that's been disciplined enough to stay out of the box while capitalizing on their own man-advantage opportunities.

Dallas, by contrast, has looked sharp in front of their home crowd. Jake Oettinger has been stellar between the pipes, giving the Stars a chance to win every night. Their top line is clicking, and the defense has been stingy in limiting quality chances. The American Airlines Center has been a fortress early, and there's no reason to think that changes against a Canadiens team still trying to find its identity.

This one feels like a mismatch on paper. Montreal needs to find offense in a hurry, or Dallas will make them pay. Expect the Stars to control play and cash in on their chances.