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In Hainsight: You Have to Play 60 Minutes |
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Follow me @KarineHains for all updates about the Montreal Canadiens and women's hockey
The Vancouver Canucks looked downright atrocious in the first period last night which allowed the Canadiens to take an early 3 goal lead while dominating every aspect of the play. But as is often the case, the Habs felt perhaps overconfident and Vancouver almost managed to mount a comeback in the third, it almost looked like coach Bruce Boudreau had shown his players what was being said about them on social media between period 2 and 3.
It was yet another strong night for the Canadiens’ first line with captain Suzuki opening the score from his office on the power play early on and Kirby Dach getting 2 goals on the night. I particularly liked his second one, which came off a great Suzuki pass which would never have happened had it not been for Caufield’s impressive forecheck. Martin St-Louis said not so long ago that defense doesn’t have to start only when you’re in your own end and his players have really bought into that philosophy.
Mike Hoffman added a 3rd goal in 2 games last night playing alongside Dvorak and Gallagher and one can hope that he is now on a roll, hopefully, the roll lasts long enough to catch the eye of a few GMs around the league. Edmonton announced yesterday that Evander Kane would be out for 3 to 4 months following wrist surgery, perhaps they could consider Hoffman as a replacement?
While Brendan Gallagher didn’t get on the scoresheet yesterday, he was still named 2nd star of the game thanks to his involved play with timely shot blocks and being part of every battle, even ones against two guys at once.
Samuel Montembeault also had yet another good game, it looked like he would be freezing his feet up for the first half of the game, but when Vancouver woke-up he was tested hard and tested often. In the end, he made 31 saves on 33 shots and the two goals he gave really weren’t on him. The first was a shot from the point which he couldn’t see coming with Xhekaj’s big body providing the perfect screen for the Canucks and the second came when Dvorak lost his man in front of the net.
Sean Monahan, who’s struggled to put up points lately, registered an assist by winning an offensive zone faceoff which immediately led to Arber Xhekaj’s second goal of the season. It’s worth mentioning that Jonathan Drouin was instrumental in that one, creating some well-timed obstruction. Speaking of Drouin, he also got himself a helper on the night on Suzuki’s early power play goal, but he just can’t buy a goal. He had a golden opportunity to open his account but was frustrated by Demko on the doorstep, with Evgeni Dadonov looking on helplessly, those two really could have used the confidence boost.
The Canadiens will welcome the ailing Penguins at the Bell Centre on Saturday night, while they did beat the Capitals last night, they finished the night with only 3 healthy defensemen and one has to wonder if they won’t be looking for reinforcements soon…
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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