The Canadiens lose (almost) all of their “four-point games”

Maxime Truman
The Canadiens lose (almost) all of their “four-point games”
Credit: Getty Images

The Canadiens were served the same medicine they've served their opponents all too often yesterday against the Sabres: they lost a game in which they took twice as many shots as the other team (34 vs. 17).

The more optimistic (or very partisan) players this morning are blaming broken sticks and phantom penalties called by the referees, and they're not entirely wrong. Except they're forgetting one thing: the Habs still haven't solved their problem in front of the net.

Samuel Montembeault allowed another goal on the first shot of the game yesterday, and completed his night's work with just 13 saves on 16 shots. There's no way an NHL goalie—whether he's a number one or recently recalled by the Senators —can allow so many goals on so few shots.

Let me share with you some statistics that confirm that, no, the Canadiens haven't yet solved their problem at the goaltending position.

Samuel Montembeault has finished his last two games with an efficiency percentage of less than .900. Jakub Dobes has completed his last three games with a percentage of less than .900 (even though he won them all). And before being traded to the Rocket, Jacob Fowler had just played two games with a sub-.900 rating, and had done so in four of his last five games.

Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will have to find a solution to bring quality and stability in front of the net. And hoping that Marc-André Fleury will call back and say he's OK is wishful thinking.

Too many “four-point losses
This morning, the Canadiens find themselves in third place in the Atlantic Division with 63 points (28-16-7) in 51 games. Yes, they have about a 70% chance of making the playoffs, but they're also three losses away from a possible playoff spot.

(Credit: NHL.com)

The Maple Leafs, currently ninth in the East, have 57 points in 50 games. If they win their next three games and the Habs lose their next three games in regular time, they could take either team's spot.

In short, the Habs can't afford a bad streak between now and the Olympic break. The break would be too long mentally for the guys otherwise…

The real problem right now is that the Canadiens are losing too many “four-point games” — games against direct division rivals with whom they'll be battling for a playoff spot this year.

Loss to the Sabres yesterday…

Loss to the Sabres last week (who we'll face again next week)…

Loss to the Red Wings on January 10…

Losses to the Lightning over the holidays and on December 9.

Yes, the Canadiens have the Panthers' number, and they managed to avenge their December loss to the Sens two weeks ago.

But the Habs' real rivals right now are the Wings, Lightning, Sabres, Bruins, and Maple Leafs.

There have been too many games in recent weeks against these teams for the Habs to pass up.

At least the Montrealers will have a chance to bounce back tomorrow in Boston. No, the Habs can't afford to fold tomorrow against the Bruins. Good teams find ways to win these “four-point games.” And the Habs are a good team this year!

Here's hoping that the goalie sent into the fray at TD Garden will be able to make the key saves… and that Kirby Dach will look more like an NHL player!


overtime

– A few guys skated this morning in Brossard.

– Big signing for the Alouettes.

– The file is the talk of the town.

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