The Montreal Canadiens faced a tough battle against the Dallas Stars, ultimately losing 2-1 in a shootout after a demanding back-to-back game. Despite the outcome, the team's morale remained high as they have shown significant improvement, now sitting in playoff contention after climbing from the Eastern Conference basement. Head coach Martin St. Louis praised his team's consistency and commitment to their game plan, noting that they played a mature game even when not at their best.

Montreal's latest performance came on the heels of a 3-2 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals, showcasing their resilience. The Canadiens' Patrik Laine scored the team's only goal during a power play, while their goaltender Sam Montembeault delivered a strong performance with 34 saves. The close game highlighted the Canadiens' progress in developing a disciplined and effective style of play.