On Tuesday night, the Vegas Golden Knights were in Montreal to take on the Canadiens. The result was a 3-2 overtime win for the Habs.
Here are some things I noticed.
The Habs need to figure out the pinch.
The first Vegas goal was on an iffy Carrier pinch. It was Carrier on this night, but on any given night it could be any of the defensemen. The issue is not the pinch. It has become clear that having the D pinch in the offensive zone to try and extend time there is an important part of the coach’s system.
The issue is that they have not quite figured out that someone needs to be ready to cover if the pinch is unsuccessful. Last night it was Hutson who could not get back in time to effectively play the two-on-one. But these odd man rushes have happened so much that it’s clear the team is not anticipating the pinch as often as they’re using it.
Cole Caufield has 30 goals with 29 games left.
The Habs couldn’t win it for Caufield in Boston, on the night he scored a hat trick, but that did not break his stride. He’s scoring at least 10 in the last 29 right? It’s been a while since Montreal has seen a scorer of this quality.
Jake Evans needed that goal.
I didn’t have Evans being the overtime hero on my bingo card, but there he was. That was a beautiful drive to the net and he beat the goalie like he was used to doing it.
After playing the best season of his career last year, and earning a contract extension, Evans has struggled this season. He usually rolls pretty well with a rotating cast beside him, but it’s not come easy for him this year. Good to see him get a boost with the OT winner.
Jakub Dobes was solid.
Neither of the current net-minders are making Montreal Canadiens fans forget Carey Price. Let’s get that clear. But it’s Dobes that has become most reliable for the Habs.
On Tuesday night, Dobes made big saves when he needed to, but also looked technically sound and confident doing it. With four games left before the Olympic break and none of them back-to-backs, I’d be tempted to let Dobes run with it.
If the Habs want to stay in the playoff mix – yes, we’re talking about that again – they need some points in these next four games.
Hab At Her 