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Canadiens Highlights

Slafkovsky, Caufield, & Suzuki Dominate In Win Over Dallas

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4 months ago

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Montreal Canadiens Dallas Stars

The Montreal Canadiens were in Dallas on Tuesday night to face the high-flying Stars. They were attempting to put an end to a three-game holiday losing streak and finish their seven-game road trip on the right foot.

Despite another slow start to the game, Martin St-Louis’ team emerged with an exciting 4-3 win over the Stars. The Habs received particularly impressive contributions from Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield on the top line.

Goaltender Samuel Montembeault also had a great game despite allowing a couple of late goals while the Stars pulled their goalie in favour of an extra attack. Montembeault kept the Habs in the game early, making 10 high-danger chances at 5v5.

If you’d like to keep discussing the game after you’re done with the recap, make sure to join us for a fun Habs-related chat. Here’s the link to join the conversation.

Let’s dive into those highlights!

Focus

The Canadiens gifted the Stars a lead just 11 seconds into the game, which isn’t as bad as allowing Brian Skrudland to score nine seconds into overtime, but is far from ideal when you consider this team has had its fair share of false starts this season.

They’re a young team that’s in the midst of a rebuild, which means poor starts are to be expected at times, but it has become a recurring theme, which is worrying.

Top-Line Results

Suzuki responded a few moments later, scoring his 12th goal of the year with ferocity.

However, praise must be sent Slafkovsky‘s way. After a slow start to his career from a physical standpoint, the 19-year-old winger has started to use his massive frame on the forecheck to force turnovers and create chaos in the offensive zone.

His play to pressure Esa Lindell was exactly what the doctor ordered for a team that was already behind the eight ball.

 

Good Golly Mr. Guhle

The Canadiens used the momentum gained by the top line to emerge from the first intermission with a one-goal lead. Kaiden Guhle scored his third goal of the year after capitalizing on a juicy rebound, but it was more strong work on the forecheck that led to the goal. Michael Pezzetta enjoyed one of his best games of the year versus the Stars, as evidenced by his play prior to Guhle’s goal.

Blue Line Production

Jordan Harris took it upon himself to give the Habs a two-goal lead early in the second period. The well-rounded defenceman did a great job selling the pass before wiring it past Scott Wedgewood.

The goal was the 30th from the Canadiens’ blueline, which means they currently lead all NHL teams when it comes to defensive production.

It was also a good reminder that it’s too early to trade a player like Harris, as some have suggested. He did not start the season on the right foot but has looked excellent since returning to play. Combine his current play with his rookie season and you have enough strong underlying numbers to suggest he should be a part of this team’s long-term rebuild plans.

Slafkovsky did not receive an assist on the play, but it should be noted that it was his excellent defensive coverage that led to the Canadiens gaining possession of the puck before Harris’ goal.

Power Play Persistence

Once again, Slafkovsky won’t see his name on the scoresheet after Cole Caufield scored his 11th goal of the year, but he played a big part in keeping the play alive, which led to a great passing sequence between Suzuki and Sean Monahan.

The goal was scored on the powerplay, as well as Caufield’s birthday, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the top line’s 5v5 statistics.

They controlled well over 60 percent of the shots and 70 percent of the high-danger chances. That, my friends, is the epitome of a dominant performance.

We’re slowly yet surely getting to the point where we can confidently claim the Canadiens have a legitimate top line.

 

Unfortunate Situation

It wasn’t all good news for the Montreal Canadiens. Forward Josh Anderson had to leave the game in the third period and was seen limping down the tunnel with the help of two athletic trainers. He seemed to be in significant pain, as he could not put any pressure on his leg.

 

The Montreal Canadiens are back in action on Thursday. They will face the Buffalo Sabres at the Bell Centre. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET.

All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted. Via Natural Stat Trick.

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