The Montreal Canadiens just played two games in 48 hours against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, ultimately earning a total of 4 points in the standings. Moreover, Martin St-Louis’ men captured a last-minute win on Tuesday evening at the Centre Bell, thanks to the performance of Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson and Samuel Montembeault. The story of the game in 14 points.
The return of the general
Defenseman Kaiden Guhle has recently made a return to the game, which was highly anticipated by all. When he’s in the lineup, his presence is felt, being considered as the general on the blue line, in addition to being a young leader within the organization.
What to do with the Sheriff?
With Guhle back in the lineup, it was Arber Xhekaj who was scratched, he who was left out for the two games against the Panthers, despite the physical aspect of these games. Several experts see him leaving Montreal soon, so this will definitely be worth watching.
A painful collision
At the start of the game, A.J. Greer was heavily involved in a collision with his teammate Nico Sturm at the center of the ice. Sturm struggled to retreat to the room, and never returned to the game, limiting himself to 34 seconds of playtime.
Again Anderson
For the second time in three games, Josh Anderson scored the first goal of the game for the Habs, being a constant source of energy for his team. Note that number 17 is particularly battered physically, but he is present and sharp on every shift, despite everything.
Mikkola expected to face heat
The Finn fired a slapshot at the Habs players on Sunday, after the game was over. He received a shower of boos on Tuesday, at the Bell Centre, on this occasion, in addition to being fined $5,000 (US). Note that he scored the first goal for his team, to add insult to injury.
It looks weird!
Brad Marchand participated in both battles of the Panthers against our Habs, having been traded by the Bruins last March. Although he was quite discreet, we will never get used to seeing him in a uniform other than the yellow and black. The pest will always be associated with the Bruins, it’s obvious.
Laine is good
After going through a rather nebulous sequence in March, the Finnish giant has regained his footing, regularly scoring on powerplay. Moreover, we feel the number 92 more involved over 200 feet, 5 on 5, winning battles along the boards, notably.
Barkov injured?
The Panthers’ captain had to leave the game in the second period, before returning for the third engagement, he who visibly got hurt. Already that Matthew Tkachuk and Aaron Ekblad are missing, if Barkov had to miss time, it would extremely hurt the cats.
The captain rose
At 8.4 seconds of the game, Nick Suzuki scored the equalizer, as he took a rebound from his young teammate Lane Hutson. Sometimes, a player must create his chance, and that’s exactly what this duo did, to level the score.
Suzuki closes the books
The Montreal leader made a sensational play in overtime, to give his team the win. It was total euphoria at the Centre Bell, especially during his interview with Marc Denis.
The positive point
Defenseman Seth Jones has been colossal for his team since the trade deadline, having been a mainstay for them, especially in defensive territory.
A 200th game
The Québécois goalie earned a win against his former team, to mark his 200th career game. The likable goaltender stopped 25 shots in his team’s win, and was excellent, making several notable saves.
Page of history for Hutson
With a total of 6 points in two games against the Panthers, Lane Hutson became the rookie defenseman with the most assists in a season with the Canadiens, with 57 to date, including 62 points.
Wildcard
Currently occupying the second wildcard spot in the East, the Montreal Canadiens have a slight advantage over the Columbus Blue Jackets, who follow them very closely with 2 points, and one game in hand. Every point will count, until the conclusion of the regular calendar.
