On New Years Day, the Montreal Canadiens were in their third game of a five-game road trip, this one in Carolina to face the Hurricanes. The result was a 7-5 win.
Here are some things I noted.
The Habs were missing Mike Matheson.
It wasn’t exactly a defensive clinic, but the depth defenders stepped up and got enough done for the win. I thought Xhekaj had a strong game, in particular.
It’s definitely hometown bias, but I loved Hutson’s empty net goal. A shot from distance, under pressure, nailing the net, and sealing the deal. The Habs should try to find a way to keep him on his strong side when Guhle returns from injury.
Carrier continues to struggle. It was not a great night for him again, and we’re saying that too often. I wonder if he’s playing injured. If so, it might be time to let him heal as soon as Matheson is back. Otherwise, we might be waiting until the Olympic break.
Texier was an improvement on the top line.
I like his fit with Suzuki and Caufield much better than I did Bolduc’s. Good game from that line in a game where there not all was brilliant.
What were the Blues thinking when they traded Bolduc for Mailloux and then waived Texier? Were both players such poor fits for them?
I can’t wait for second half Slaf.
What turned out to be the game-winning goal was a coast to coast play from Juraj Slafkovsky. With 240 NHL games under his belt, the first overall pick in 2022 is playing like he deserved to have his name called on that fateful night. If he gets stronger in the second half of the season, as we have gotten used to, look out.
The Habs won in Carolina for the first time in nearly 10 years, and they did it with important players missing. Good times.
Hab At Her 