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Gurianov, Barron, And Drouin Shine In Exciting Canadiens Win

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1 year ago

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Canadiens forward Denis Gurianov Habs news

The Montreal Canadiens travelled to Pittsburgh to face Sidney Crosby and the surging Penguins.

The Penguins outshot and outchanced the Canadiens significantly, in what can only be described as an entertaining, defence-optional game. Thanks to some questionable goaltending and some timely offence from the road team, Montreal emerged with a 6-4 win.

Ridiculous First Period

The Canadiens got off to an awful start, allowing the Penguins to score two early goals, including the game-opening goal just 21 seconds into the first period.

But as has been the case throughout the season, the Penguins showed absolutely no resolve when their opponents showed a little effort. The Canadiens stormed back into the game by scoring four consecutive goals, which marked the end of the night for Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry, who performed with all the agility you’d expect from a drunken octopus.

Mike Hoffman kicked off the offensive surge, scoring his 11th goal of the season thanks to an excellent shot and the perfect amount of patience from Rem Pitlick, who was thankfully no worse for wear following the hit that forced him to leave the game on Monday night.

You won’t see his work in the highlights package, but Justin Barron was a crucial part of the play, intercepting a puck and quickly transitioning the puck up the ice with control.

Jesse Ylonen scored his fourth of the season less than two minutes later, helped along by a nice offensive incursion by Mike Matheson as well as smart positioning by Rafael Harvey-Pinard.

Ylonen needs to use his shot more often, because, without Cole Caufield in the lineup, it may very well be the most potent shot on any given night. His goal against the Penguins was simply further evidence of his shooting prowess.

Denis Gurianov then scored his third goal in as many games, though it should be noted both Alex Belzile and Jonathan Drouin deserve a lot of praise for their excellent shift, which displayed a strong forecheck and great situational awareness.

MUST READ: An early review of Denis Gurianov’s play with the Canadiens

The goal also allowed Habs fans to see Gurianov use his hand-eye coordination to score rather than using his blistering slap shot. He’s gaining confidence with every shift, and it’s starting to become clear the 25-year-old should probably figure into the Canadiens’ rebuild plans going forward.

To put a fine point on the Canadiens’ offensive surge, or rather, the Penguins’ defensive collapse, Joel Edmundson took part in the fun, scoring just his second goal of the year with a big blast from the point.

For those keeping track, Drouin earned his second point of the night and his seventh point in as many games.

Anthony Richard used his fantastic speed and dexterity to score the Canadiens’ fifth goal of the game. Beyond the great pass reception from Richard, who is eager to prove he deserves an NHL roster spot, it’s worth noting Barron was yet again a crucial part of the play.

His breakout pass wasn’t just precise, it was ridiculously fast, and the exact type of pass you want to see from players like Barron who will play a crucial part in the Canadiens’ transition game in the foreseeable future.

The Canadiens are back in action Thursday, travelling to Florida to face the Panthers. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM ET.

All statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via NaturalStatTrick.

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