Canadiens’ Winning Streak Continues
The Montreal Canadiens concluded their first visit to Utah with a 5-3 victory on Tuesday, extending their impressive record since December 17 to 10-2-1. The Habs have now won seven of their last ten away games, closing in on the Eastern Conference playoff spot, just two points behind the Blue Jackets.
Key Performances
- Kirby Dach: Scored twice, securing the lead.
- Samuel Montembeault: Made 22 crucial saves.
- Cole Caufield: Scored his 24th goal of the season.
- Patrik Laine: Netted his 10th goal, marking his first at even strength.
- Lane Hutson: Achieved three assists, becoming the sixth-fastest defenseman in NHL history with 32 assists in his rookie season.
Early Challenges and Comeback
Despite facing four penalties in the first period, the Canadiens managed to recover from a challenging start:
- First Period Penalties: Two infractions in the opening 70 seconds allowed Josh Doan to score on a 5-on-3 power play.
- Mike Matheson: Rebounded from a penalty with a goal, breaking through the opposition’s defense.
- Kirby Dach: Gave the Canadiens their first lead late in the period.
Game Highlights
- Patrik Laine’s Goal: Tied the game with a skillful exchange involving Alexandre Carrier and Alex Newhook.
- Cole Caufield’s Goal: Assisted by Lane Hutson, making it 4-3 in the third period.
- Penalty Drama: Juraj Slafkovsky’s late penalty was nearly costly, but Jake Evans missed a penalty shot.
Final Push
Kirby Dach sealed the victory with his second goal, adding a comfortable two-goal lead. The Canadiens overcame several challenges, including injuries and flu among key players like Alex Newhook and Michael Pezzetta.
Upcoming Matches and Team Status
- Next Game: The Canadiens will face the Dallas Stars in Texas on Thursday evening.
- Injury Update: Emil Heineman sidelined for 3-4 weeks due to a car accident.
Opponent’s Struggles
The Utah-based team, led by André Tourigny, is facing difficulties with a 2-7-2 record in their last 11 games, placing them 8 points behind in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Canadiens’ win not only strengthens their playoff hopes but also showcases their resilience and ability to overcome adversity on the ice.
