Three points out of four… that’s a result that all teams eagerly accept, especially when they begin a seven-game road streak.
You will tell me that if Samuel Montambeault and Jake Allen had not been so brilliant in front of the net, it would possibly be zero out of four.
I grant you that.
Except that you will very often be told that they must ensure by their performance that they maintain the hope of a victory.
That’s what they did.
Moreover, Martin St-Louis did not mince his words after the confrontation against the Avalanche, Wednesday night in Denver. “If it wasn’t for the spectacular saves, we wouldn’t have gotten a point. And if we had won this game, we would have stolen two points from the opponent. »
Very just.
The defending champions dominated in every department, despite injuries to impact players they kept up the pace, causing a lot of trouble for a team still disorganized in their territory.
Let’s go with some observations about the game against Colorado.
1. Anthony Richard played just under 10 minutes, he was the only scorer of the match. Perhaps we would have liked it to be used more often. But you also have to understand that coach St-Louis had to deal with a rival who, throughout the evening, used his best staff to excess, notably Mikko Rantanen. In such circumstances, a coach must adjust and use skaters capable of slowing down the opponent’s best squads. Jared Bednar has used his fourth line very little…
2. Could he in this respect replace Evgenii Dadonov who is only a passenger, who produces nothing, to whom we reserve a place on the second part of the game “of helplessness” of the Canadian? Without a doubt. By the way, how long will Dadonov be used rather than a young player from the organization? Are we not in a process of developing the best hopes?
3. Jonathan Drouin is gaining confidence. Martin St-Louis recognizes that, and in the last two games he seems more committed than ever. The coach therefore took the opportunity to entrust his player with more responsibilities … by using him as center, a mandate he fulfilled well in Arizona and Denver.
Also, his work during the power play is effective except that the results of the group identified to evolve during these occasions could not be more disappointing.
4. Drouin’s experience in the center is also an interesting option for the coach, because, of course, Kirby Dach is much more effective alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield than in the center, a position he occupied in Chicago. Can he be that coveted second center player? It’s still too early to tell, but for now he seems very comfortable in the first line of attack.
5. There’s no doubt that there’s great chemistry between Caufield, Suzuki and Dach; therefore, could Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes change their plan and covet another center to support Suzuki’s work?
In Vancouver, it was recently pointed out that Montreal will be an ideal destination for Bo Horvat, the captain of the Canucks, who has trouble with the management of the team regarding contract negotiations. He will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
6. But there is Sean Monahan, a nice surprise at the Canadian. Could he fill the role of the team’s second center player? At first glance, we acquired it in order to be able to display it in the window and obtain a first round choice.
Has Monahan convinced a few teams that he’s back in shape and could help teams with big ambitions heading into the spring tournament?
We believe so, but this foot injury has delayed the progress of the file. Has he convinced Gorton and Hughes that he might just be the solution?
7. Kaiden Guhle made appearances on the power play. The results were not very conclusive, but we must continue this experiment. According to the coach, you have to be careful with Guhle who, in his first season, is facing all games with the opponent’s best squads.
St-Louis especially does not want to cut corners with Guhle, who is currently the best defender in the team.
On the other hand, one day, among the many coaches behind the bench, someone will have to find a solution to the “helplessness” game.
While parity is more and more present, a team must have good results at the level of special teams.
8. Anthony Richard will have scored his first goal with the Canadiens in his second game, while Joel Armia and Jake Evans, as well as Jonathan Drouin, have come up short so far.
Well, in Drouin’s case, he’s been threatening recently, but that’s not enough.
Armia missed several opportunities. Evans? The young man puts in an effort in every game, but in such a competitive league you have to produce. You must contribute from time to time to the successes of your team’s attack.
In closing, allow me to offer you my best wishes on the occasion of the holiday season. Savor every moment spent with the people you love.