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Montreal Canadiens

Post Game Poutine: Montreal Canadiens Drop Lightning in Shootout 5-4

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2 years ago

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Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens were down early, but fought back to shock the Tampa Bay Lightning and come away with the 5-4 shootout victory after a gutsy performance.

The Canadiens fought back from two separate two-goal deficits and took the fight to Tampa Bay all game, but were frustrated early on by Lightning goaltender Brian Elliot who played a stellar game despite the loss. The Canadiens finally broke through Elliot in the second period, leading three rookies to scoring goals for them in their comeback against one of the league’s top teams, adding even more confidence to their successful youth movement since the hiring of head coach Martin St. Louis.

Jordan Harris was suiting up in his first NHL game and didn’t look out of place, playing a calm and poised game. His decision-making with the puck was very noticeable, and he was able to skate his way out of trouble when pressured by forecheckers. Harris showed his lack of experience only once during this game, when called for a delay of game penalty after he continued to play despite having lost his helmet, a lesson he was better off learning sooner rather than later.

Jesse Ylönen continues to show the Montreal Canadiens that he should be considered for more minutes down the line, as he’s continued his consistent play since being recalled by the Canadiens a week ago from the Laval Rocket. His three points in the four games he’s played since being recalled are sure to prompt the caching staff to consider using him in more offensive situations moving forward.

 

Here’s your MHN Postgame Poutine:

GOLD STAR: Nick Suzuki – Nick Suzuki was all over the ice for the Montreal Canadiens tonight while going head-to-head with Brayden Point all game. Suzuki had an assist on the Corey Schueneman goal and scored the game-winner in the shootout, while logging over 22 minutes of ice time and winning 50% of his faceoffs. He continues to grow his game beyond simply just the point total count, and tonight he looked like a true No. 1 centre for the Montreal Canadiens.

TABARNAK: Jordan Harris’ delay of game: Jordan Harris got into a scuffle with Alex Killorn in front of the net and lost his helmet. Instead of rushing to the net, as is stipulated by the league after the loss of a helmet while on the ice, Harris continued to defend. Despite eventually rushing to the bench, the rookie was called for a penalty and learned a valuable lesson in his first game in the NHL.

TURNING POINT: Goal Caufield Sighting: The Montreal Canadiens were down 2-0 to start the second period, and the Tampa Bay Lightning were dictating the pace of the game until a timely turnover opened the door for the Habs to strike. Rem Pitlick and Cole Caufield jumped on a loose puck and went off to the races up the ice on a 2-on-0, and Cole Caufield didn’t miss his chance to get his team on the board, roofing the puck and getting the Canadiens back in the game.

HONORABLE MENTION: Jesse Ylönen-  Jesse Ylönen played a consistent and fast-paced game which allowed him to cover a lot of ice and control the puck on many occasions. He played a strong game in all three zones tonight, saving a sure goal with a clutch backcheck, scoring the tying goal in the third period and showing relentless hustle against the Lightning’s top players. He continues to show that he deserves more responsibility, and he continues to build up his game in the NHL.

 

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

Forwards

Cole Caufield-Nick Suzuki–Rem Pitlick

Paul Byron-Christian Dvorak-Joel Armia

Mike Hoffman-Jake Evans-Josh Anderson

Tyler Pitlick-Ryan Poehling-Jesse Ylönen

Defence:

Jordan Harris-David Savard

Joel Edmundson-Justin Barron

Corey Schueneman-Alexander Romanov

Goalies:

Jake Allen

Sam Montembeault

 

QUOTE TO NOTE: ” We knew what kind of player he was. I was very impressed t see him in action. He’s a good guy, he asked questions during the game, and he wants to learn.” – said Joel Edmundson on Jordan Harris’ NHL debut.

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