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Canadiens Postgame

Habs Highlights: Newhook, Armia Lead Charge In Important Win

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5 months ago

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The Montreal Canadiens were in California on Tuesday night, facing the San Jose Sharks, the team currently occupying the last place in the NHL standings.

Of course, things haven’t come easy for the Habs in recent games, which means they simply can’t afford to take any opponent lightly, including the Sharks.

It wasn’t the prettiest of wins, but emerging from San Jose with a 4-3 win will go a long way in re-establishing much-needed confidence for the Canadiens.

Let’s dive into the highlights!

This Is A Rerun

The Habs didn’t have a particularly bad start, but once again they allowed their opponents to score the opening goal.

Full marks to the Sharks powerplay, which featured the type of puck movement that will make most Canadiens fans green with envy. Celebrini’s goal allowed him to close within one point of Hutson for the rookie lead, albeit only temporarily.

Montreal Canadiens Response

The good news is that the Canadiens replied in kind. They finally put together some impressive puck movement of their own, culminating with Cole Caufield’s 26th goal of the season, and his first on the powerplay in a very, very longtime. Shockingly, Hutson and Nick Suzuki provided the assists.


Alex Newhook, who enjoyed one of his best games in a very long time, followed suit. This time around he took advantage of a chaotic situation around the front of the Blackhawks net, not to mention a very smart pass by defenceman Alexandre Carrier, to reach the 10-goal mark.

As we all know, the laws of science and nature simply do not allow for the Canadiens making life easy on themselves, which is why David Savard’s questionable pinch led to Collin Graf’s first career NHL goal. But another solid passing sequence while on the man-advantage (in this economy?) led to Brendan Gallagher’s 11th goal of the year.

I recently criticized Dach’s lack of playmaking prowess at 5v5, and even though his first assist was not primary, and his second one came on the powerplay,  it’s still an encouraging sign for the team’s second-line pivot.

Owen Beck Makes An Impact

It’s been a hell of a few days for Owen Beck. First he was recalled by the Habs, which forced him to miss the AHL All-Star Skills Competition, as he watched the Canadiens lose to the Anaheim Ducks from the press box. He was then returned to the AHL in time to play in the All-Star Game, where he scored a hat trick.

He was then re…re-recalled? Is that what people say when Rihanna calls? Riri called?

These late games sure do lead to confusing recaps.

Anyhow, Beck was called up once again, and actually made it into the lineup, playing on the fourth line in Michael Pezzetta’s stead.

As per tradition, he made something happen whenever he was given a shift, including an impressive presence on the forecheck.

Formidable Duo

I’m starting to get the impression Jake Evans and Joel Armia are actually better on the penalty kill than they are at 5v5. We’ve been treated to back-to-back shorties from the fantastic penalty killing duo, including the game winner on Tuesday.

When discussing a team such as the Canadiens, which traditionally lacks offensive punch, receiving secondary scoring from players in a difficult situation who aren’t expected to provide any scoring at all is the epitome of a gift from the heavens. We can’t expect this kind of shorthanded production every game, but we sure can enjoy it while it lasts.

We also have to give credit to Samuel Montembeault for his incredible save on Celebrini shortly beforehand.

The Montreal Canadiens are back in action on Wednesday. They will face the Kings in Los Angeles, with the puck drop scheduled for 10:30 pm ET. All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick.

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