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In Hainsight: A Tough Start |
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Follow me @KarineHains for all updates about the Montreal Canadiens and women's hockey
Coach Jean-François Houle had repeatedly said that he wanted his men to go out and had fun on the ice during this tournament, but the Habs had very little fun in a 6-3 defeat. Of course, it’s a rookie tournament that doesn’t really mean anything, but it’s still the first opportunity these young players have to impress, an opportunity that many failed to grab last night.
Although he allowed 6 goals, Jakub Dobes had a good first outing. At times, he did struggle with his post-to-post movement and made a few hazardous plays out of his crease, but overall, he made some solid saves and a few spectacular ones.
It was a tough start for Logan Mailloux who was on the ice for the Sabres’ first three goals, including one in which he stopped skating because he believed it would be an icing, instead, it turned into yet another goal for the local favorites. The 6’3’’ and 220 pounds blue liner might have an NHLer shape, but I doubt he’s ready to make the jump to the big league. However, it was only one game and he’ll have time to make a better impression, perhaps once the debut jitters have gone.
This year’s first round pick, David Reinbacher, also received his baptism of fire and had an honest night. He didn’t really stand out, but he looked confident on the puck and showcased good decision making, picking the right time to shoot and pass. The young Austrian was the quarterback of the first power play unit and looked good out there.
William Trudeau, who wore the C on the night, was the most efficient defenseman on the ice for the Canadiens and made some key plays at both ends of the rink, finishing his night with an assist. Miguel Tourigny showed good speed and was not shy of joining the attack. As a result, he got a goal and an assist.
Owen Beck was probably the best forward for the Canadiens and picked up right where he left off last year, but the sparks didn’t fly for the line he formed with Emil Heineman and Joshua Roy. The second line formed by Mesar, Kidney and Farrell was barely noticeable and overall, one has to admit that the Sabres’ talent up front was evident and their domination wasn’t all that surprising, Matthew Savoie and Zach Benson were excellent picks by the Buffalo front office.
After this game, it appeared obvious that the Canadiens need to put emphasis on drafting elite talent up front. While Owen Beck had a good game in the NHL, he’ll probably be a good third line center and not a top-six forward. The Canadiens have got Suzuki, Caufield and Dach who can definitely play on the first two lines, but they’ll need more skills players to have a threatening attack.
Right now, the prospects cupboard is stacked with blue liners, but bare when it comes to exciting forwards who you can build your attack around. There’s no reason to panic though, a rebuild has to start somewhere and for the Canadiens, it started with the blue line. Considering how often we hear the expression “defense wins championships”, it shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing.
This season, the Canadiens will probably be able to climb in the standings, but not high enough to pick outside of the top 10 come draft time and that’s just fine since there’s clearly a need for top end talent up front.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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