Kirby Dach Set for Return as Canadiens Host Minnesota Wild
The Montreal Canadiens will welcome back forward Kirby Dach to their lineup for Tuesday night's matchup against the Minnesota Wild at the Bell Centre. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on TSN2 and RDS.
Dach's Return from Injury
The 24-year-old Dach has been sidelined since November 15 due to a fractured right foot. In his 15 games played this season, he has recorded 5 goals and 2 assists for 7 points, along with a minus-2 differential. Dach expressed excitement about his return, particularly about rejoining the top line.
"There's some familiarity there," Dach said after Tuesday's morning skate. "I've played with them in the past. The team's rolling right now. I just kind of want to step in and do what I can do and help the team continue to win games."
Dach will take Alexandre Texier's spot at right wing on the No. 1 line, centering between Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Texier is currently out with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Before his injury, Dach had been finding his rhythm, scoring four goals in his last six games.
Goaltending and Defensive Adjustments
In goal, Jakub Dobes will get the start against the Wild. Dobes has compiled a 14-5-3 record this season with a 3.01 goals-against average and a .888 save percentage. In his most recent start, he allowed three goals on 23 shots in a 6-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks last Monday night at the Bell Centre.
On defense, Jayden Struble will replace Arber Xhekaj in the lineup. Struble is expected to be paired with Lane Hutson, while Kaiden Guhle plays alongside Alexandre Carrier. Xhekaj had appeared in 17 consecutive games, while Struble was a healthy scratch for four of the last five games.
Struble addressed the competitive situation with Xhekaj, noting their friendship remains unaffected. "It's not hard," Struble said. "It is what it is. If he's in, we're still joking and whatever. If I'm in, it's the same way. It's a little bit unfortunate of a spot, but it doesn't affect us at all." In 36 games this season, Struble has recorded 6 assists and a minus-2 differential.
Team Standings and Season Context
The Canadiens enter the game with a 27-15-7 record, placing them third in the Atlantic Division. They trail the Tampa Bay Lightning (30-13-4) and Detroit Red Wings (30-16-4) by three points. The Lightning host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night, while the Red Wings have the night off.
The Minnesota Wild (28-13-9) sit in second place in the Central Division, 11 points behind the first-place Colorado Avalanche (34-5-8). This marks the first of two meetings between the Canadiens and Wild this season, with the second scheduled for February 2 in Minnesota.
Historically, the Wild have dominated recent matchups, boasting an 18-1-0 record in their last 19 games against Montreal. This includes a nine-game winning streak dating back to October 20, 2019, during which they have outscored the Canadiens 33-12. The Wild swept last season's two-game series with 3-0 and 4-0 victories.
Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis confirmed the lineup changes after Tuesday's morning skate, expressing confidence in Dach's readiness following his recovery. The return of Dach adds offensive depth to a Montreal team looking to maintain its position in the competitive Atlantic Division playoff race.
