Canadiens End Losing Streak Against Kings
In a highly anticipated matchup on March 7, 2026, the Montreal Canadiens faced off against the Los Angeles Kings in Los Angeles. Prior to this game, the Canadiens had been struggling against the Kings, having lost nine consecutive games in regulation. Expectations were low for Montreal, given their recent history against this opponent.
However, the game took a decisive turn as the Canadiens secured a 4-3 victory. Juraj Slafkovsky was a standout player, scoring two goals and providing an assist, while Nick Suzuki netted the tiebreaking goal with just 4:33 remaining in the game. This victory not only marked an end to their losing streak against the Kings but also highlighted Slafkovsky’s impressive milestone of reaching 50 points, making him the first Canadiens player to record three 50-point seasons before turning 22.
Jakub Dobes, the Canadiens’ goaltender, played a crucial role in the win, making 35 saves and achieving a save percentage of .923. His performance was pivotal in keeping the Kings at bay, especially during critical moments of the game.
For the Kings, the loss was another setback, as they have now dropped seven of their last nine games. Anze Kopitar opened the scoring for Los Angeles with his seventh goal of the season, and Scott Laughton made an impact in his debut for the Kings after being traded from Toronto by scoring a goal. Despite these efforts, the Kings could not maintain their lead.
The Canadiens’ victory was their NHL-leading 20th comeback win of the season, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. This win is particularly significant as it comes just one night after a disappointing 6-5 loss to Anaheim, where they had rallied late only to blow their lead.
As the Canadiens look ahead, they will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night, aiming to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, the Kings will need to regroup and address their recent struggles if they hope to turn their season around.
Scott Laughton reflected on the challenges of adjusting to a new team, stating, “It’s tough at the start, I think, just kind of finding your way around.” Meanwhile, Alex Laferriere expressed the urgency for the Kings, saying, “That’s one we definitely want to have two points from.”
Overall, this matchup between the Canadiens and Kings not only shifted the narrative of their rivalry but also highlighted the evolving dynamics within both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
