On Monday night, the Montreal Canadiens concluded a four-game home stand with a visit from the Vancouver Canucks. The result was a 6-3 win.
Here are two quick notes from the game.
The Canadiens needed four goals to win, and the first four goals were all scored by defensemen.
Noah Dobson didn’t waste any time on that first period power play. One thing I love about Dobson’s approach with the man advantage is that he just keeps it simple. With him out there, there is a little less tendency to pass a thousand times and just direct everything toward the net. Dobson is good at getting pucks through.
It’s not every game that Alexandre Carrier will score twice, but he did last night. His game has improved since seeing more time with Hutson.
Then the game winner came off Mike Matheson’s stick. Four goals were enough, and all four from defenders. The Habs have built a defence group that can turn defence into offence on a consistent basis.
The kid line continues to shine.
Slafkovsky-Kapanen-Demidov. Wow! Another night of consistent threat.
Slafkovsky had a goal and two assists in this one, and is clearly having his breakout season as the leader with two rookies. Demidov had three assists and sits atop the rookie scoring race for assists. Kapanen had a goal, and could have had a couple more, and leads rookies in goals. What a mix Marty has made!
I’ll never understand the voices that claim Kapanen should be replaced because he’s just benefitting from the skill of his linemates. Who cares? As long as he is able to find those spots to finish, and as long as he’s winning draws, and as long as he’s doing what he needs to defensively, does it matter that he’s not the best player on his line as a rookie? It’s a bizarre narrative.
The Canadiens are headed out on a three-game road trip. The first stop is tonight in Washington, in their last back-to-back before the Olympics. They have excelled in a tough schedule and some breathing room is coming.
Hab At Her 