“Owen Beck looks like an NHL player.”

Raphael Simard
“Owen Beck looks like an NHL player.”
Credit: X

Last night, the CH won its fifth straight game, and Nick Suzuki was absent during all five of those consecutive victories.

But Montreal has proven that even without its two most talented forwards (Suzuki and Ivan Demidov), the roster is so deep that the team can win games in 60 minutes.

Since the captain's absence—he's expected to return soon—every player has contributed to the score sheet, both forwards and defensemen.

Jake Evans is the leading scorer in the absence of the No. 1 center.

Who would have thought?

We can see that the point production is fairly balanced.

Yesterday, even the fourth line contributed, both in terms of points and quality shifts.

On the Habs' first goal, Oliver Kapanen scored his first goal of the season—his first in seven months. Owen Beck, who had a strong game, was one goal away from a Gordie Howe hat trick.

That fight was the Habs' first of the season, by the way. After the game, Martin St-Louis had nothing but praise for his young center.

“He looks like an NHL player.” – Martin St-Louis

Beck played well yesterday and showed that he's not just a penalty-killer. He can also deliver solid hits and get into fights.

Here's his fight where he demolished poor Blake Lizotte.

The problem for Beck is that his time in Montreal may soon be coming to an end.

Suzuki is likely to return this week—maybe even Tuesday—and the news is good for Ivan Demidov. Two players will have to make way among Kirby Dach, Florian Xhekaj, Oliver Kapanen, and Beck.

Other than that, what stood out to me from the Habs' imperfect win last night?

1. Jacob Fowler didn't have to be the hero like he did in St. Louis on Tuesday night. He finally had some goals in front of him. He didn't have the best game of his career, but he still got the win.

The American now has seven straight wins, and during this streak, he's been nearly unbeatable.

2. We need to re-sign Josh Anderson before it's too late. At 32, he's finally coming into his own.

That's what it feels like when you don't miss the net…

Yesterday, he scored two goals. He now has six in 14 games. He's on pace for 36.

He's had a rough stretch lately, but he's still the team's fourth-leading scorer, tied with Juraj Slafkovsky (nine points). Andy will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

We know he wants to finish his career in Montreal, but Kent Hughes will have to sign him as soon as possible if he wants to get him at a discount.

3. I don't know if Adam Engstrom is on the trading block, but he's put together a few solid games lately.

We're finally seeing his mobility, his patience with the puck, and his willingness to contribute offensively. He and his defensive partner, Arber Xhekaj, had a strong game.

But no one on the blue line is as good as Lane Hutson, of course.


In a Nutshell

– The Rocket won yesterday.

– Big Sunday of action in the NFL.

– Must-read.

– Indeed.

– That's for sure.

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