Alex Burrows: the game he designed gave the Canadiens victory yesterday

Last night, the Canadiens played an ordinary game in Winnipeg. But they still managed to get the W in overtime.

Of course, if there’s one big story from the game, it’s that Jake Allen was able to pick up his first win since… October. About time.

No, let me start again: it really was about time.

Since he may not play again before Christmas (Cayden Primeau and Samuel Montembeault are likely to get the last two starts), it’s safe to say he gave himself a Christmas present.

But we must also mention Justin Barron. After all, the defenseman managed to give his team victory in overtime… while his brother was on the ice… and their parents were in the stands.

He gave his brother Morgan a run for his money.

This time, Justin Barron got the better of his brother Morgan… much to his coach’s delight! pic.twitter.com/oKeP0ylgC2

– L’Antichambre (@Antichambre) December 19, 2023

But the important thing to remember about this goal is that Alex Burrows had managed to predict exactly how the whole thing was going to unfold. And you can clearly see that by looking at his whiteboard.

As he drew on his board and explained to his players, Burrows had foreseen that Nick Suzuki would switch sides, that he would give the puck to Cole Caufield, and that Cole would see Barron at the top of the circles.

Justin Barron’s winning goal unfolded exactly as Alex Burrows had drawn it! pic.twitter.com/XcXatMNKc0

– RDS (@RDSca) December 19, 2023

Note that this was the Habs’ second power-play goal of the game. Clearly, it was a good day for Alex Burrows, often criticized for his management of the power play.

Yesterday, let’s just say he looked good.

Of course, seeing that the teaching is so precise allows the Canadiens’ (many) young players to benefit from the vast experience of the club’s coaches.

For example, when Martin St-Louis arrived in town (almost) two years ago, he showed Cole Caufield how to use the fake one-timer to free himself with the puck. And quickly, it worked.

Now that’s goal-scorers goal

Cole Caufield shows @armdog the fake one-timer that Marty St. Louis taught him in practice.

Full Video: https://t.co/NMBxWjmgyr pic.twitter.com/0yTwLRm3Dk

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 18, 2023

Well done.

Seeing a play like that work can only help the Habs’ confidence. After all, when there are plays that actually happen on the ice, it must make the guys more receptive, right?

In a gust

– Yesterday, karma got the better of the Wild for not playing Marc-André Fleury in Pittsburgh. The Quebecer will play tonight, though… but not in Pittsburgh.

This time, it’s Marc-André Fleury’s turn https://t.co/IhJ746MzR8

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) December 19, 2023

– It’s a good sign that Sean Farrell is training again. [TSLH]

– Still.

For all intents and purposes, the Habs are over the .500 mark and within two points of a playoff spot. With this team’s lineup, it’s nothing short of a miracle.

– Jeremy Filosa (@JeremyFilosa) December 19, 2023