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Montreal Canadiens

Post Game Poutine: Montreal Canadiens Fall To Stars 4-3 in OT

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3 years ago

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Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens played a strong game overall, coming back from two separate deficits, but ultimately fell 4-3 in overtime to the Dallas Stars thanks to a herculean effort by John Klingberg. The Canadiens went toe-to-toe with the Stars, matching their rabid pace in this game and playing a very entertaining high-tempo style, but ultimately couldn’t capitalize on some key chances in OT to win the game.

Both Jake Allen and Jake Oettinger put on a show to start the game, taking turns making highlight-reel saves and keeping the game tight despite both teams playing with some impressive pace. Ultimately, Allen allowed the first goal to Radek Faksa on the powerplay at the 18:33 mark of the 1st period due to a defensive miscue between Chris Wideman and Corey Schueneman.

Cole Caufield scored a goal in his third-straight game to tie this contest and bring the Montreal Canadiens back to life after being frustrated by Oettinger in the first period. He accepted a slick pass from Nick Suzuki from the top of the circle and didn’t miss his opportunity to bring this game to a 1-1 tie with half of the game left to play.

The Dallas Stars didn’t crumble after losing the lead and continued pushing the Canadiens, drawing multiple penalties in the second period. They eventually capitalized on those penalties, as Jamie Benn converted on the powerplay with less than 5 minutes to go in the 2nd period. He was left alone in front of the net down low and squeaked the puck behind Allen to make it 2-1.

The Canadiens continued to show resolve under head coach Martin St. Louis, and tonight was more of the same. First, Suzuki accepted a beautiful pass from Caufield on the powerplay and maneuvered around Oettinger to tie the game at 2-2. Then, Corey Schueneman notched his first NHL goal by unleashing a powerful wrist shot from the point to give the Canadiens the lead 3-2.  However, the Dallas Stars quickly tied the game off a missed chance from Brendan Gallagher that became an odd-man rush against that John Klingberg was able to capitalize on to make 3-3.

In overtime, both the Canadiens and the Stars traded powerplay opportunities, but it was eventually John Klingberg who sealed the deal by squeaking the puck past Jake Allen with 10 seconds left in extra time. It was a bittersweet loss for the Canadiens, who came back from adversity in this game to keep pace with the Stars but were unfortunately unable to close the game out when they had the chance.

Here’s your MHN Postgame Poutine:

GOLD STAR: John Klingberg – The Stars defender played a pivotal role in this game for the Stars, logging an impressive 29 minutes of ice time and putting up two critical goals. His first goal helped push this game to overtime, as he jumped into the rush off a Canadiens’ missed opportunity and capitalized on a quick play to fool Jake Allen. He then helped kill an important penalty in overtime and ultimately scored the game-winner to help lead the Stars to victory. He was Dallas’ most impressive skater all game, playing with great pace in the absence of Miro Heiskanen and showing just how important he is to Dallas’ success.

TABARNAK Gallagher misses, Klingberg scores: Brendan Gallagher made a great play in the defensive zone to push the puck out and start a 2-on-1 toward the Dallas net, but ultimately missed hit shot, which hit the glass behind the net and sent the Stars on the counter-attack. John Klingberg was left all alone in the slot and didn’t miss his opportunity to tie the game and rob the Canadiens of their first lead of the game and force overtime.

TURNING POINT: Corey Schueneman’s 1st NHL Goal – Schueneman had been playing good hockey for the last few games, but seemed to shy away from unloading his shot when the puck was on his stick in the offensive zone. That was not the case tonight, as he accepted Rem Pitlick’s pass at the point and ripped home a precise wrist shot from the point that beat Oettinger high to give the Canadiens their first lead of the game.

HONORABLE MENTION: Cole Caufield – Caufield was once again the most electrifying player for the Montreal Canadiens this evening, making something happen almost every shift due to his speed and slick hands. He continues to pile on the points, now at 21 points in his last 15 games under St. Louis, all while playing a responsible game and being involved in the play in all three zones. He may not have gotten to be the hero in this game, but he continues to give Canadiens fans something to get excited about in this lost season.

 

BY THE NUMBERS: Here’s how the Montreal Canadiens lined up Thursday night:

Forwards

Cole Caufield-Nick Suzuki– Joel Armia

Rem Pitlick-Laurent Dauphin-Mike Hoffman

Artturi Lehkonen-Christian Dvorak-Brendan Gallagher

Michael Pezzetta-Jake Evans-Paul Byron

Defence:

Joel Edmundson-Jeff Petry

Alexander Romanov-Brett Kulak

Corey Schueneman-Chris Wideman

Goalies:

Jake Allen

Sam Montembeault

QUOTE TO NOTE: ”The guys are in it every night, putting on a good show and I want to be part of it.” – Jake Allen on his view of the team lately and his desire to stick around.

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