The Columbus Blue Jackets’ visit doesn’t spark passion in Montreal. A large number of empty seats in the Reds witnessed this Thursday evening. However, season subscribers who had these tickets made a mistake by not coming to the Bell Center. The Canadian player overcame the two-goal difference and achieved his fourth victory in seven matches (4-2-1). It’s not too bad!
The third period and overtime resulted in a great game!
Martin Saint-Louis and Pascal Vincent undoubtedly shed blood behind the bench. But the audience enjoyed it very much. The Bell Center trembled as Cole Caufield put the icing on the cake with about forty seconds left on the clock.
The fans went home happy. No matter who the opponent is, there’s nothing better than victory to keep their spirits up. The Habs have never had small victories, and that’s even more true in the rebuilding era.
People are buying it all!
Suzuki-Caufield duo is waking up
Let’s get to the positive aspects of this match.
Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield played by far their best game of the season. Each scored a goal and collected two assists. We felt these more at the meeting. They played with more emotion.
While it may be impossible for them to pedal their way through a long 82-game schedule, they need to deliver that kind of performance as often as possible. They are the leaders of their own teams.
The Habs will go as far as they want to get them.
St. Louis isn’t saying it, but they must be eagerly waiting for their two best forwards to show up in their true colours.
Montembeault saved himself
The coach also made a surprise by using the third different goalkeeper in three matches. While we were waiting to see Jake Alle in front of the net, Saint-Louis called Samuel Montembeault.
The Bécancour goaltender looked bad on Emil Bemstrom’s second goal during the Blue Jackets’ power play, but rebounded well.
He made many good saves at critical moments; He saved the furniture during Brendan Gallagher’s penalty with 55 seconds left in the third period.
So it’s a good note for Montembeau.
Finally, two important goals from a five-man attack
Another positive point that should not be forgotten was the huge attacking performance of the Canadian that brought the second and third goals, the performance of Mike Matheson with 17 seconds left in the second period and Sean Monahan in the eighth minute of the third period.
Kent Hughes really hit the mark when he acquired Matheson from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Jeff Petry. The Pointe-Claire defenseman plays inspired hockey.
I can’t wait for Dvorak!
Finally – and I don’t like to say this – Rafael Harvey-Pinard is no match for the Suzuki-Caufield tandem. He’s a good employee, but he’s out of place at the top.
Christian Dvorak’s return to the game in Saint-Louis on November 4 may allow Saint-Louis to transfer Monahan to the offensive line. St. Patrick’s Day was a result of Monahan’s good combination with Brendan Gallagher and Tanner Pearson. We can understand why Louis is hesitant to make this change. But he won’t have a choice.
Unless Kent Hughes pulls another rabbit out of his hat.
