Canadiens Highlights: Patrik Laine Delivers Again, Evans Shines

The Montreal Canadiens were in Detroit on Friday night, facing the Red Wings in what the NHL would describe as an original-six match-up.

The game marked Alexandre Carrier’s debut following a trade that saw Justin Barron sent to the Nashville Predators in exchange for the 28-year-old defensive specialist. Carrier was used on the second pairing, alongside Kaiden Guhle. It’s too early to start judging Carrier’s impact, but the mere fact that his presence in the lineup allows Guhle to play on his natural side is already a healthy step forward for the defensive group.

Montreal did a good job controlling the flow of the game, and held quite an edge in scoring chances at 5v5, making the 4-3 win a well-deserved outcome.

Let’s dive into the highlights!

Finding Value

Placing players with offensive talent on the fourth line is the opposite of putting them in a situation that’s conducive to scoring. For the most part, players fade when they aren’t be used with some semblance of regularity, but every once in a while, a player will shine despite the difficult assignment.

This year, that player is none other than Emil Heineman, who has quietly been putting together a very solid season, both in his underlying numbers and his raw production. While most of the attention heading into training camp was focused on Oliver Kapanen or Joshua Roy, Heineman has a leg up on his competition because he tends to make the most out of any situation.

His seventh goal of the season came off the rush, and while you may want to suggest Cam Talbot could have done a better job in the goaltending department, what matters most is that Heineman rarely hesitates to take a shot, a key contribution to a team that shoots less than every other NHL organization.

As they used to say in the good ole day, put the puck on net, and good things will happen.

Un à zéro pour Heino

5(1) hole#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/QW6FQggpL2

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 21, 2024

Mr. 300

Jake Evans featured in his 300th career game, which is fairly impressive when we consider he was one of the last players picked in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

His night did not get off to the best start, as he failed to capitalize on a prime scoring opportunity, but as is often the case with Evans, he refused to give up. After registering the primary assist on Heineman’s goal, Evans scored his sixth goal of the season thanks to a smart rush while shorthanded.

It’s gotten to the point that Evans is playing so well (considering his usage) that it will be very difficult not to move him before the trade deadline. He’s an unrestricted free agent that deserves a raise, and he should be a hot commodity for playoff teams given his versatility and strong work ethic.

But that’s a story for another day.

Deux points à son 300e match? Pas pire

Two points in your 300th? That’ll do just fine#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/IAoS0XQZxM

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 21, 2024

X Marks The Spot

Evans enjoyed a great game, but we should also give credit to Heineman and Joel Armia, as the fourth line was far and away the team’s best combination on Friday night.

Their strong puck-protection deep in the Red Wings’ zone set up defenceman Arber Xhekaj’s first goal of the season, but more importantly, it gave the Canadiens a chance to get back into the game against a vulnerable opponent.

le shérif fait la loi

there’s a new sheriff in (hockey)town#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/hnqNKwCeEY

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 21, 2024

Pure Laine

Lo and behold, the Canadiens took the lead just a few minutes later thanks to the usual powerplay suspect. Patrik Laine delivered the goods, again, scoring his seventh powerplay goal in just eight games with his new team. As it stands, Laine is on pace for a 50-goal season despite playing in fewer than 10 games.

In a testament to the power he generates during his fantastic release, you’ll note Moritz Seider’s stick actually shattered prior to the goal, but the puck still had more than enough momentum to fool  Talbot. We’re starting to run out of ways to describe Laine’s dream start with the Canadiens, and that’s fairly fitting, as fans are being treated to something special. Sit back and enjoy the Laine show.

Ladies and gentlemen, Patrik Laine.

His seventh powerplay goal actually shatters Seider’s stick as it makes its way to the back of the net.#GoHabsgo pic.twitter.com/1IeoDPdGl5

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) December 21, 2024

The Montreal Canadiens are back in action on Saturday, facing the very same Red Wings. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET. All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick.