On Thursday night the Chicago Blackhawks were at the Bell Centre to face the Montreal Canadiens. The result was a 4-1 win.
Here’s what I noted.
The top line is finding some chemistry.
I’m not convinced Zachary Bolduc is the best option for the top line. They face the opposition’s best night after night, and I’m not sure he has the 200-foot chops to do it. But necessity is the mother of invention, and necessity gave birth to Bolduc finishing the Suzuki-Caufield line.
Last night Bolduc looked like he belonged there, as he notched two goals for the win. Let’s hope he can be as effective against the Crosby line for a couple of games on the weekend.
Owen Beck is looking closer to ready for the NHL gig.
His face-off prowess this early is impressive. When it was reported last night that the Los Angeles Kings had a scout in the building, I wondered who I would be willing to give up for Phil Danault from the current roster. The list is not long.
I might be willing to trade Oliver Kapanen or Owen Beck for a true 2C that was an age match for the core, but I’d be disappointed to see either in a deal for Danault. I’m not sure I’d even sacrifice Jake Evans to get him.
Suzuki needed that goal.
Did you see how his teammates celebrated an empty net goal for Nick Suzuki. He knows, they know, we all know. The captain has been struggling. Whether it’s a nagging injury or adjusting to a new linemate, the struggle has been real. His team’s response tells us one area where he is not struggling, and that’s in his leadership.
Meanwhile in Laval…
Speaking of struggles, Sam Montembeault played his first conditioning stint game last night and it did not go well.
I don’t know why there is a rush to bring him back to join the team. He obviously needs a reset and I’m mot sure a couple of games will resolve the level of struggle we’re seeing from him right now. The Habs have a big decision approaching.
Another back-to-back awaits the Habs on the weekend as an arduous December continues.
Hab At Her 