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Canadiens vs Panthers - Preseason Game 3

September 19, 2019, 10:13 PM ET [252 Comments]
Karine Hains
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
While it's well known that veterans are not crazy about preseason games, some of them still do really come to play. Tonight, the line of Lehkonen, Domi and Gallagher looked like a pretty good first line and they did have 5 points to show for it which came from 2 Gallagher goals. It might be a new year, but it's the same old Gally, the one that even down on his knees will keep hold of the puck and manage to pass it to his teammate...in a preseason game. That kind of effort and drive when he's got nothing to prove still amazes me.



However, number 11 wasn't the only amazing thing out there tonight...If Ryan Poehling shone bright last night in Bathurst, Nick Suzuki showed that he didn't want to be outdone. He put on display an uncanny ability to read the play, to make good decisions and even to slow down the game when he needed a moment to pick his next move. After 65 minutes, Suzuki had 2 assists and a +3 rating but he wasn't done, he also showed some sweet mitts to score the Canadiens' first goal in the shootout. It truly was a deserving performance of the 1st star mention he received.



It wasn't all about established vets and budding prospects though, Jordan Weal was once again brilliant out there and it's looking increasingly likely that his spot will be secured with the big club. Not only did he set the done by scoring the first goal just a couple of minutes in but he was also instrumental in Brett Kulak's game tying goal. He showed a lot of grit out there and chased every puck. In my mind, it's all but certain that Weal has got himself a spot on the Canadiens' fourth line.



Kudos also to Brett Kulak who once again showed great mobility. This guy can skate and he also seems to have a knack for making the right decision, when he joins the rush or the attack, it's because it was appropriate to do so. 1 goal, a +2 rating, 6 shots, 3 hits and 1 block, it was a busy night at the office for number 17 and so far this preseason, he really looks like he'll be a fixture on the 3rd pairing come opening night.

Not everything was perfect however, I mean the Canadiens did win 5-4 in the shootout but should it have been that hard to beat a Florida side who didn't dress its best players? As you'll recall, most of their big guns had played in New Brunswick and Yandle and Trocheck were the biggest names out there. Shots wise, the Canadiens obliterated the Cats by a wide margin with a final tally of 46 shots to the Florida's outfit 18. Yes, the Panthers only took 18 shots and Carey Price let 4 of them in. But, as the man himself would say; chill out, it's only preseason! Add to that the fact that 2 of the 4 goals were scored when Price was alone in front of a forward after a defensive blunder. If anything, it's a shame that Price didn't get more shots to get a proper workout but there's plenty of time left to the training camp.

While many impressed tonight, Dale Weise didn't. He was glad to be brought back into the Habs' fold last season but the fact is that he's older, slower and just doesn't look like he can compete with the other players out there. His main contribution was an ill-advised charging penalty against Colton Sceviour on a play that looked dangerous. It's a shame for Weise but I think his time has come and gone and Laval is the more likely destination.

Side note, Paul Byron wasn't on the ice in the third period and when asked, Julien only mentioned that he was withdrawn as a precautionary measure and that he would be evaluated.

After 3 games in 4 nights, the Habs will have a free Friday night before facing the Sens in Ottawa on Saturday at 19:30. Until then, Habs fans can tell themselves that after 3 games, the Canadiens have yet to drop a game and it's not because they couldn't have. They've showed determination and came back to grab the win in the last two nights and that, is rather encouraging to see, even if it is only preseason...
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