|
In Hainsight: 6th Defeat in a Row Really Felt Like a Loss |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow me @KarineHains for all updates about the Montreal Canadiens and women's hockey
It was far from a thrilling affair at the Bell Centre last night as the Devils smothered the Habs into submission in a 3-1 win. The game didn’t start well for Montreal and it really was a sign of things to come, early on, Jonathan Drouin very nearly scored his 2nd of the year by putting the puck behind his own goaltender in a back pass Jake Allen wasn’t expecting from in close. Minutes later, the Canadiens’ AHL line formed of Pezzetta, Belzile and Richard collided at its own blue line and all three skaters fell to the ice. The Devils took possession of the puck and scored in the ensuing confusion. The Devils got a second game late in the first and from then on, it didn’t seem like the Canadiens had any chance to win that one.
Denis Gurianov did get the Canadiens back within one when he launched a one-timer from the slot thanks to a Rem Pitlick feed from the back of the net, but it would be the sole marker for the Habs on the night. Jonathan Drouin did hit the post once the Habs had pulled their goalie but that’s as close as they would come, Tomas Tatar confirming the outcome with an empty netter with a minute and a half to go. For those keeping a close eye on the lottery race, this other loss with no extra points is good news since the Coyotes held their own against Colorado last night and got a point in an OT loss, meaning that Arizona is now only one point behind the Habs.
Considering the opponents in their next 7 games, victories could be hard to come by for Montreal as they’ll play the Avs, the Penguins, the Panthers, the Lightning twice, the Bruins and the Jackets who always seem to have their number. Still, this depleted group has proven that they can come together and produce a great show if not results.
While the Canadiens are playing meaningless hockey, the same cannot be said about some of their prospects who are in the midst of the NCAA playoffs. Yesterday afternoon, Lane Hutson and Luke Tuch were playing with Boston University against Vermont, and they signed a convincing 7-3 win. It was my first time watching a BU game and I did like what I saw from Hutson. A lot of speed, good instinct to join the attack and he doesn’t shy from contact even though he hasn’t got the biggest frame. Hutson got a single point in the game, a secondary assist on the power play, but he did finish the game with a +3 rating and 7 shots on goal. As for Tuch, it wasn’t a convincing performance, he was barely noticeable and ended the game at -2.
After the BU win, Jayden Struble and the Northeastern Huskies were taking on the Providence Friars and unfortunately for Struble and his teammate Devon Levi, the Huskies fell 2-1 in OT. Their NCAA careers therefore came to an end yesterday and now the watch begins. The Canadiens and the Sabres hold their rights until August 15, past that point, they’ll be free to sign with any team. In an interview with Montreal Hockey now earlier this week, Struble said that he hadn’t given much thought to turning pro but that Montreal constituted a “good option” for him. The blue liner has seen his progress hindered by injuries since he was drafted and the congestion on the left side of the Canadiens blue line may make him think twice about signing with the Habs. However, he’s not NHL ready right now and considering he had a business relationship with Kent Hughes in the past, played with Jordan Harris at Northeastern and worked in the summer with Adam Nicolas for years, he might decide that the Montreal organization is best placed to help him develop.
As for Devon Levi, the way he has spoken about Buffalo leads to believe that he will be signing on with the Sabres, unfortunately. The Quebecer has had a brilliant NCAA career and considering how bare the cupboard is goalie wise for the Canadiens, I’m sure they would pounce if he was to hit free agency, but right now, that doesn’t look likely.
The Canadiens will be back in action tomorrow night as they’ll welcome the defending Stanley Cup champs Colorado Avalanche and Arturri Lehkonen to town.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»