Connect with us

Canadiens Highlights

Suzuki, Gallagher, And Guhle Score In Exciting Win Vs. The Bruins

Published

6 months ago

on

Montreal Canadiens nick suzuki

The Boston Bruins were at the Bell Centre on Saturday night for a classic match-up with the Montreal Canadiens.

It was the first time since 2003 that the Habs faced the Bruins without Patrice Bergeron in the lineup.

Pavel Zacha scored less than a minute into the game, but there was a very strong response from the Canadiens, who controlled both the shots and high-danger chances at 5v5 during the first two periods.

The Canadiens also had significantly more hits, and that’s usually a bad sign, but in this case, they delivered more hits while maintaining control of the play.

The Habs ultimately won 3-2, thanks to a Kaiden Guhle overtime goal.

Let’s dive right into the action.

Third Line Power

Again, it wasn’t a particularly great start from the Habs, who have had their fair share of issues when it comes to game preparation. But after the early goal by Pavel Zacha, the team settled down nicely and gave the Bruins a run for their money in the first period.

Unspririnsgly, it was the “old man” line that led the charge. Maybe it’s the “resuscitation line,” or the “redemption line”, as some have suggested.

Though, when we consider Sean Monahan just turned 29, perhaps we’re a little harsh when it comes to the third line’s nickname.

Regardless, Monahan, Brendan Gallagher, and Tanner Pearson have been great since the start of the season, and they produced both high-danger chances for the Habs in the first period.

In total, the Monahan line controlled well over 60 percent of the shots and high-danger scoring chances, as well as over 80 percent of the expected goals.

Subban’d

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Brad Marchand got Subban’d, again. This time around it was Johnathan Kovacevic dropping the Bruins captain at the blue line.

It wasn’t exactly as thunderous as Subban’s original hit, but I’m sure he’d be proud to see Kovacevic drop the little ball of hate.

Mandatory Xhekaj Section

As per usual, Arber Xhekaj was quite physical. It was the first time the young defenceman took part in a Canadiens-Bruins game, and he took clearly made an impression on Bruins forwards attempting to gain the zone.

Michael Pezzetta, who also happens to lead the Canadiens in expected goal share this season, got into the action as well.

Mister Anderson

I don’t want to pile on Josh Anderson. He’s struggling to score, but the good news is that he’s creating chances.

Therefore it makes sense that head coach Martin St-Louis keeps giving him premium minutes, but there’s no logic to using him on the power play.

Not only does his north-south style of play not mesh with any traditional powerplay strategy, but his usage is sure to lead to some raised eyebrows from players who haven’t had their chance on the man advantage.

Pucks are flying off his stick like some sort of radioactive bouncy ball.

Strong Pushback

The Canadiens were rewarded for their great work in the third period, starting with Nick Suzuki’s fourth goal in as many games.

It was a great shot by Suzuki, but as per usual, Monahan was doing the type of stuff that coaches love. In this case, he was setting a perfect screen on Jeremy Swayman.

The Canadiens scored less than half a minute later, with the third line scoring the type of goal you’d expect.

Gallagher, who has enjoyed a fantastic resurgence this season, scored a classic goal thanks to the type of play he’s become famous for doing every night.

Look, I know it’s still early in the season, but given his production and underlying numbers, it’s probably safe to declare Gallagher is back to his old tricks.

He’s even driving opposing goaltenders up a wall, which is how you really know he’s found his rhythm.

The game eventually went to overtime, with defenceman Kaiden Guhle, who has been amazing this season, scoring the game-winning goal.

A stick tap goes out to Alex Newhook and Anderson for their work prior to the goal.

Lane Hutson Highlight

Okay, this isn’t exactly a Montreal Canadiens highlight, but it’s always fun to end the night by seeing Lane Hutson’s latest goal.

The Montreal Canadiens are back in action on Sunday, as they host the Vancouver Canucks at the Bell Centre. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET.

All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted. Via NaturalStatTrick.

Related Topics: