Tue Dec 30 23:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Canadiens Look to Cap Off Stellar 2025 Against Panthers in Sunrise

SUNRISE, FL – The Montreal Canadiens will face the Florida Panthers tonight at 7:00 PM EST, marking the final game of a remarkable 2025 for the young squad. The game, part of a seven-game road trip, will be broadcast on TSN2 (English) and RDS (French) in the Canadiens region, and SCRIPPS in the Panthers region, with streaming available on ESPN+, RDS, and TSN+.

A year ago, the Canadiens entered the New Year with cautious optimism after a .500 record in 2024. Now, they boast a 20-12-6 record for the season and an impressive 43-26-14 mark for the calendar year. This surge in performance has catapulted the team into the playoff conversation, a stark contrast to the “wait-and-see” attitude of the previous season.

The Canadiens are coming off a thrilling, yet ultimately frustrating, 5-4 shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, a game that highlighted both their potential and their vulnerabilities. Despite the loss, the Habs have secured at least one point in their last five games, demonstrating impressive consistency.

However, they face a challenging opponent in the Florida Panthers. After a slow start, the defending Stanley Cup champions have found their rhythm in December, fueled by strong offensive performances from Sam Reinhart and Brad Marchand. Florida’s revitalized offense has improved their standings considerably, but inconsistencies in their defense and goaltending remain.

The Panthers enter tonight’s game after a 5-3 victory over the Washington Capitals, likely resulting in Danill Tarasov starting in goal. In response, Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis will give Samuel Montembeault his first NHL start since December 19.

Regardless of tonight’s outcome, the Canadiens’ 2025 has been a resounding success, exceeding expectations and solidifying their status as a team on the rise. The focus now shifts to improving consistency and maintaining the high level of play they’ve demonstrated throughout the year. The game airs on TSN2, RDS and can be streamed on ESPN+, TSN+ and RDS.

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