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Montreal Canadiens

Post Game Notes: Allen, Guhle Shine In Shutout Loss To Detroit

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2 years ago

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Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens weren’t able to muster much offence in their shutout loss to the Detroit Red Wings, but Jake Allen and Kaiden Guhle stood out in big ways.

The Canadiens faced a far different means of competition tonight; as the Red Wings preferred to slow the game down and own the neutral zone. The Canadiens’ offence was not able to get off the ground, as they were choked out by the Red Wings’ relentless pressure, and ultimately saw the Canadiens lose the game by the score of 3-0

The Canadiens hung on as long as they could, due in large part to the efforts of Allen, but simply weren’t able to convert on the few chances they had.

Here are your game notes:

Offensive Woes

The Montreal Canadiens were not in this game offensively to start the game and struggled to maintain pace with the Red Wings throughout the rest of the game. Detroit was clogging up the neutral zone and protected the slot very well; making it impossible for the Canadiens to get an offensive flow going.

Detroit dominated the Canadiens when it came to offensive chance generation during this game, with 22 scoring chances, of which 14 were in the high-danger areas. The Red Wings not only owned the neutral zone, but they attacked the blue paint with authority, which allowed them to control the game.

The Canadiens were only able to muster eight scoring chances, of which only two were considered high-danger scoring chances, on Ville Husso, who secured a shutout in his first game as a Red Wing.

 

Jake “The Snake” Allen

Jake Allen kept the Canadiens in the game early on, making a flurry of timely saves on the Red Wings in the high-danger areas. His 25 saves in the first period alone tied a franchise record, set by Allen himself last season against the Caroline Hurricanes; a remarkable feat considering how many of those chances were prime scoring chances.

Allen’s consistency and athleticism in the face of the Red Wings’ constant offensive advances were the only things keeping the Canadiens in the game; especially when under pressure.

Allen finally allowed his first goal on his 36th shot against, but he is easily the MVP of the team for tonight’s game after another stellar start for the Canadiens. Without him, this could have easily degenerated early on.

Don’t Miss A Beat

Kaiden Guhle looked solid yet again, blocking some timely shots and boxing out the opposition during high-pressure situations. He missed some time after his fourth shift due to a strong hit against the boards, but was able to return shortly after the start of the second period.

Guhle didn’t miss a beat after missing close to a period of hockey, making some timely blocks and winning his 1-on-1 battles in decisive fashion. His poise away from the puck catches the eye almost immediately, as he allows the game to come to him and forces his opponent to make the first move, before separating them from the puck.

Guhle took a beating in this game, but never once looked overwhelmed or out of place.

(Stats taken from NaturalStattrick)

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