Golden Knights Experience, Canadiens Edge: Who Will Earn Respect?

There’s something about tonight’s game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Vegas Golden Knights that feels more important than the standings. The Canadiens aren’t supposed to be measuring themselves against the Golden Knights just yet. At least not in the “we’re chasing Cups” sense anyway. But ahead of tonight’s game, Kirby Dach made it pretty clear this isn’t just another night on the schedule.

The Golden Knights Are Built to Win Another Stanley Cup

Vegas does what Vegas does: built to win, already got a Cup, and still fine-tuning to stay scary. Montreal is somewhere in between. The team is past the big rebuild, but not quite “there” yet. And yet, Dach sounded like someone who thinks the gap isn’t as wide as it looks.

Both teams come in annoyed. Vegas lost last time out, and they’ll want to fix that fast. Montreal? They’re still bitter about dropping games to Boston and Buffalo—matches that just didn’t go their way. Dach kept it real. This is a group that’s upset with itself and knows it hasn’t played to its standard.

That’s where the “something to prove” part kicks in.

What Do the Canadiens Have to Prove, Actually?

For the Canadiens, this isn’t about matching Vegas star for star. It’s about sticking to what’s been working when they’re at their best. Playing fast. Keeping things simple. Not letting up when momentum swings. Dach talked about playing a full 60 minutes and getting back to the small details that make this group competitive. That’s not coach-speak—it’s survival mode for a young team trying to build habits.

And honestly, this is the kind of game rebuilding teams need. Not must-win pressure, but meaningful resistance. A chance to see how you respond when a veteran contender comes in angry and focused. Do you fold? Or do you push back and make them earn every inch?

Vegas Brings Experience; Montreal Brings Edge

Vegas will bring structure and experience. Montreal will bring emotion and edge. That combination can make for a sneaky good game, especially when both sides feel like their last outing didn’t reflect who they are.

For Dach, nights like this are personal. He’s part of the core that’s supposed to bridge Montreal from “rebuild” to “relevant.” Games against teams like Vegas are measuring sticks—not for the standings, but for belief.

Tonight’s Game Is a Great Test for the Canadiens

No one’s handing the Canadiens a win tonight. But if they play the way Dach describes—sharp on details, full pace, no letting up…it’s exactly the kind of game that tells you whether this group is just learning… or starting to arrive.

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