03/07/2025
Canadiens playoffs aspirations suffer a major blow
By Neil Becker
The Montreal Canadiens slim playoff hopes have taken a thunderous hit.
Finding themselves in great danger of missing post-season s for a fourth straight season the Canadiens, who are one point out, suffered a recent major blow when on Saturday, February 22nd during a 5-2 win at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa against the Senators, Canadiens forward Kirby Dach left early with what an apparent lower body injury only to have it be announced
that he would need season ending right knee surgery. This would be on the same knee which was operated on back in October 2023 when after the second game of the season he underwent season ending surgery.
Dach, who is 24 years-old was originally selected in 2019 3rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. Playing this year in his third season with Montreal, Dach has in 57 games played scored 10 goals along with 29 points prior to having his season end. Roughly with only about six weeks or so left in the regular season the Canadiens find themselves n a real dog battle with the
Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers for that last wildcard playoff spot.
No question the toughness and scoring depth took a major hit with this latest Dach injury setback. Looking to take advantage of an opportunity is 21- year-old forward and the team’s 22nd pick in the 2022 draft, Owen Beck.
Beck, who this season has scored 13 goals along with 32 points with the AHL’s Laval Rocket has so far in what is his third stint with the big club registered an assist in five games. In total this year with Montreal Beck has played in 11 games.
