Canadiens Postgame
Habs Highlights: Dobes Great, Caufield Goal, Slafkovsky Benched
The Montreal Canadiens were in Colorado to face the Avalanche on Saturday night, the second leg of back-to-back games for the Habs that included travel, not to mention the final game of their holiday road trip.
Patrik Laine (flu) and David Savard (upper-body) were once again unable to play, which meant that Michael Pezzetta and Jayden Struble were used in two consecutive games for the first time in a very long time.
Rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes was called upon to stop the high-flying Avalanche, a team that was aiming to win their seventh game in a row. He wasn’t particularly busy to start the match-up, but he did shore up the defence by making 18 straight saves once he allowed the game’s opening goal.
The Canadiens put together a very solid effort, tying the game late in the third period thanks to Cole Caufield’s 21st goal of the year, which pushed the game to extra time, where the Habs emerged with a well-deserved 2-1 win.
Let’s dive into the highlights!
Heavy Contact
Colton Ross was sent off for goaltender interference in the first period, and while you never want to see a player hit a goalie with that much force, it must be said that Lane Hutson was at the very least partially responsible for the incident.
Thankfully, Dobes shook it off and remained in the game.
I don’t agree with this call either. At the very least Colton is being directed into the net if not pushed into Dobes. pic.twitter.com/QrLzroWHIq
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) January 5, 2025
Offence Waking Up
We saw the Habs put up 40 shots, including almost 20 high-danger chances against the lowly Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, but thanks to Arvid Soderblom’s heroic effort, the Canadiens’ win streak ended at three games with a 4-2 loss.
It was the type of game that offered a frustrating result, but a solid process, which isn’t the worst possible outcome for a rebuilding team.
The Avalanche are obviously a much better team, a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, which meant the expectations were naturally tempered to a certain extent. The first period was controlled by Colorado, but from the midway point of the game it was the Habs who created the best scoring chances.
They also did a great job shutting down Colorado’s potent offence.
Their work paid off late in the third period, thanks to a smart defensive play by stalwart forward Jake Evans. He won’t officially be credited with an assist on the play, because Lane Hutson and Nick Suzuki touched the puck before Caufield scored his 21st of the year, but it was an excellent play.
You’ll note Juraj Slafkovsky was not playing on the top line in crunch time. This is not a new strategy for Martin St-Louis, who still doesn’t trust the young forward when the going gets tough. And if we’re being honest, it clearly paid off, thus was a good decision by the head coach.
I know fans are losing patience with Slafkovsky, and I understand to a certain extent, but remember, he’s just 20 years old.
Evans won’t get an assist here, but he did good to break up the play alongside Lane Hutson.
Suzuki to Caufield ties the game at 1. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/0xuYy0w6L1
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 5, 2025
With the game undecided in overtime, both teams headed to the shootout, where Caufield and Kirby Dach scored for the Canadiens, while Dobes did a fantastic job shutting down the Avalanche shooters to secure the 2-1 win.
A great save by Jakub Dobes in the shootout vs. former Hab Jonathan Drouin. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/nfi4P8Qigq
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 5, 2025
His save on Drouin was very nice, but the manner in which he shut down Mikko Rantanen was perhaps the most impressive aspect of his performance. He gave the talented forward no chance to score, using his massive frame to cover every possible square inch of netting.
Dobes doesn’t even come close to allowing Rantanen to see net. Another great save. pic.twitter.com/Odek5eRaI9
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 5, 2025
The Montreal Canadiens are back in action on Monday, facing 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 Natural Stat Trick.
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Habs just defeated the 4 most recent cup winners on one road trip, I can’t imagine that has ever been done before.
I expected a 1-4 road trip with the victory coming against Chicago. That’s the reason I don’t bet!
Good note on the recent Cup winners! What’s more, they’ve definitely deserved the wins.
I don’t bet on hockey, because even with all the most up-to-date statistics and information, you’re only giving yourself a slight edge in the odds. Any team can win any night, which is why we watch.
Great game by Guhle as well – played over 24 minutes & had 9 blocked shots and 5 hits!
He’s loving life playing on the left.
Small sample size. Miniscule, actually, but this Dobes kid seems like the real deal. The fact that he played Florida and Colorado in his first two NHL games and only allowed one goal is incredible. Cool as a cucumber. The way he calmly gloved the first Av shot in the shoot-out and flicked the puck away, as if to say, “that’s all you got?” And how about that quick catch of an opponent shot and pass to Gallagher at the Av blueline?
Hopefully he’ll keep up this phenomenal play. One thing is for sure — the guy can take a hit. Either one of the two hits he sustained might have put a lesser goalie out of the game.
Slaf needs some time in Laval.
Just believe and continue how your playing with your heart in it..great games I still believe I have been a habs fan since 1968
It’s only a few games but the Habs might have found Carey Price’s successor.
I’m an Oilers fan, but I love seeing the Habs as their rebuild has been looking great. I don’t think they should rush Slavkovsky, as it usually seems like taller players take longer to develop.
Look at Leon Draisaitl. His first season the Oilers didn’t want to force him too much and they even sent him back to the AHL at one point and look at him now, leading the league this season in goals and part of the dynamic superstar duo of my Oilers. Slavkovsky definitely has lots of potential, he just needs growth and proper training to realize it.
Not everyone can make the leap to the NHL and look like superstars out of the gate. Celebrini, Mitchkov and Wolf look darn impressive sure, but some players definitely benefit from some AHL training.
We are one good defenceman and one scoring forward away from being a top ten team. The “rebuild” is starting to turn the corner. Just goes to show you the value of a top management team. It’s been decades since we had this kind of talent in the executive suite.
In the executive suite and on the ice, talent galore.
Demidov and Reinbacher match your criteria? I see them as playoff team next season
Get real!
hey Marc. I think you are being fair to remind that Slaf is only 20yo. At the same time, this is his third year in the league. It is painful to watch a kid that big shy away from the physical play. IMHO…. It is becoming a problem. He needs to play to his size and go to the net. When he starts making nearly $8m next year it will be increasingly difficult to sell the “he is only 21” rationale. The kid needs to compete and stop swanning around and focusing on the next arrogant comment he will make to the media.
Yes, as I mentioned above.Slaf needs to play in the AHL for awhile. He needs to play with teh young and hungry and hopefully he’ll learn how to play hungry.