The Montreal Canadiens had a Sunday matinee to kick off the second half of their season. Game 42 was the final game of a five-game road trip since the holiday break, and this time they were in Dallas for a tilt against the Stars. The result was a 4-3 overtime win.
Some things are worth noting.
Gallagher and Danault were at it again.
A Carrier shot, double-tipped, and Gallagher was awarded the goal. The assist was Danault’s 400th career point. No one is happier than Gallagher to have Danault back in Montreal.
What an important draw won by Danault in the overtime! He battled to get possession and it allowed Hutson the opportunity to finish it.
The kid line might have to stick.
Oliver Kapanen has another goal off a beautiful pass from Demidov. The popular opinion is that Kapanen can’t be the second line centreman in Montreal, but I’m not sure anyone on that line is buying it.
Slaf is playing like a centre himself, and the chemistry with Demidov is real. Kapanen is doing enough to make it all work, including scoring his 13th goal of the season. I’m not sure HuGo is eager to mess with this.
Remember when some wanted Slaf off the power play?
On the Habs third goal, Slafkovsky tied Suzuki for power play goals this season. He’s found his release in the slot. Crickets.
So far so good for Monty.
Strong game for Sam Montembeault. The Stars could have finished it several times late in the third and in the overtime and Monty held his ground. That’s two solid starts since his conditioning stint. It would relieve a lot of stress if he can keep this going.
The road trip is over, and the Habs claimed seven of 10 points in the five road games since the holiday break. If you count three of four points claimed in two road games before the break, that’s in 10 of 14 points on the road. Thats solid. Thats a record for good teams.
Hab At Her 