On Saturday night, the Montreal Canadiens were at home for the final of a four game home-stand. It was the first of a home-and-home with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the result was a 4-0 shutout win.
Here’s what’s on my mind.
The Montreal Canadiens have a goalie conundrum.
Jacob Fowler with the shutout. In Montreal. On a Saturday night.
In the meanwhile, Sam Montembeault played a strong recovery game after blowing his first in the conditioning stint. For some bizarre reason, the Canadiens intend to have Monty join them in Pittsburgh. I would have used the full two weeks.
They certainly can’t continue to carry three goalies as injured players return. So what next?
Owen Beck is earning his stay in Montreal.
With the Habs having traded for Phil Danault, the kids in the line-up have to be wondering what it means for them. Beck has been playing well on this call-up, and was finally rewarded with a goal on Saturday.
Certainly, Beck won’t be hindered by a longer period of seasoning in the AHL, but how much would he benefit from playing alongside Danault and learning from a player who has been what he wants to become?
Some veterans may be feeling the heat.
Josh Anderson had his best game in a while. These guys can count. They know how many forwards are on the roster and when some of them are returning from injury.
We don’t know what Danault has left in the tank, but we do know his addition should communicate to some guys that their spot is not guaranteed.
About that trade…
On Friday night GM Kent Hughes snuck a trade in before the holiday freeze, acquiring Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings for a 2nd round pick.
I’d feel better about that trade if the Kings had retained salary. But they did not, so now Hughes will likely have to pull off some more magic when everyone is healthy.
A second round pick is not the price you pay for a 2C. Hughes knows that. He knows he has not dealt for a 2C. Hopefully the coach knows that and doesn’t play him like a 2C. And hopefully Danault knows it too and happily submits to the 3C role.
The beauty of the price they paid is that they didn’t give up any assets that would prevent them from going after a 2C they want if one becomes available.
I look at this trade as a gift to Nick Suzuki. Help with the tough match-ups and important draws and late-game blocked shots.
I look at the trade as essential centre depth – the Evans injury highlighted how much the Habs needed that.
But no one is seeing Phi Danault as the 2C the Habs are missing – not even as a placeholder while they wait for Michael Hage. Or at least that’s how I see it.
I wonder how Sidney Crosby sees it…
Hab At Her 