Canadiens Goaltender Primeau Steals Point In Philadelphia

The Montreal Canadiens were in Philadelphia on Tuesday night to face the surging Flyers. Goaltender Cayden Primeau was given the start for the Habs, his first since December 28.

The game went to overtime, the 15th time the Canadiens went to extra frames in just 40 games this season. Despite their experience playing beyond the third period, the Habs eventually fell 3-2 to the Flyers in the shootout.

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Let’s check out those highlights!

Moneyhan

The Canadiens wasted no time on Wednesday night, scoring less than a minute and a half into the first period.

Justin Barron’s point shot was expertly tipped by Sean Monahan, who notched his 11th goal of the year. Given that he signed a one-year contract with the Habs, the expectation is that Monahan will be moved at the trade deadline for a healthy return from a Cup-contending team. He’s versatile, as evidenced by his excellent play at 5v5, the penalty kill, and the power play. He’s also excellent at the faceoff dot and can play both the wing and down the middle of the ice.

Every goal he scores is sure to up the price tag for enquiring clubs.

Sean Monahan gets a tip on the point shot and the #Habs score on their first shot of the game! pic.twitter.com/zupl3IfYSF

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) January 11, 2024

Good Defence Leads To Offence

The Canadiens quickly scored another goal to give the team a surprising 2-0 lead, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention an excellent defensive play by forward Cole Caufield.

Caufield quickly closed the gap to shut down former Hab Ryan Poehling, who looked to have a clear breakaway in the first period.

Key play before the second Habs goal: Cole Caufield gets on his horse to deny a Ryan Poehling breakaway chance. pic.twitter.com/j7RELv90eu

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 11, 2024

Despite being outshot 10-2 in the first, the Canadiens emerged with a 2-1 lead. Juraj Slafkovsky used his massive frame to allow a David Savard point shot through to the net.

It was originally credited to Slafkovsky, but upon further review, it turns out Savard was the last Canadiens player to touch the puck.

It was not the prettiest goal in NHL history, but Habs fans will be happy to see Slafkovsky use his size advantage to create chaos in the crease. His net-front presence has become a significant boon for the team since he was added to the top line alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

Juraj Slafkovsky deflects the Savard shot to make it 2-0 #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/d8egOIfOGR

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 11, 2024

Not So Special Teams

This is going to shock Canadiens fans, but the penalty kill once again failed to do its job. This time around it was newcomer Jamie Drysdale and Morgan Frost who combined for a goal. The goal tied the game at two, but more than anything, it’s yet more evidence that the Habs need to work on their special teams. Keep in mind that the Flyers have one of the worst powerplays in the entire league.

Head coach Martin St-Louis has often discussed why it’s that important to work on special teams, but given how often special teams cost the Habs during games, it may be time to pay a little more attention to them during practice.

It should also be noted that despite a late push in the second period that led to a handful of half chances, the Flyers went into the second intermission with a 17-8 shot lead.

Jamie Drysdale gets his first assist as a Flyer.

Morgan Frost scores on the PP to tie the game. pic.twitter.com/2YvT4KSdF4

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 11, 2024

On that note, it’s fair to say the Canadiens were very lucky to be involved in a tied game after 40 minutes of play. Monahan made a great goal-line play to clear a puck that seemed destined to cross the line.

Full marks to Savard for removing Joel Farabee from the play.

Sean Monahan makes a huge play to save a goal that was an inch away from going in.

Savard was busy obliterating Farabee. pic.twitter.com/86GKsriu83

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 11, 2024

Full Marks To Primeau

It’s never easy sitting for more than a week at a time as a goaltender, therefore some praise must be sent Primeau’s way. He made almost 40 saves versus the Flyers, including 10 high-danger scoring chances at 5v5.

Bad change at the Habs bench, but there's Primeau to bail them out again. pic.twitter.com/ZE9n4v6n5Y

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) January 11, 2024

The Montreal Canadiens will be back in action Thursday. They will face the struggling San Jose Sharks 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.