On Tuesday night the Toronto Maple Leafs were at the Bell Centre for the 63rd contest of the season for the Montreal Canadiens. The result was a 3-1 win for the Habs.
At least three things are worth noting.
The Kapanen line was buzzing.
Yes, it’s Kapanen’s line, at least for now. The kid scored his 20th goal of his rookie season against the Leafs and it was a beauty. The goal came off a Demidov board battle won. They were dangerous on a few shifts, and it’s been a while coming.
If that second line can be productive while allowing Slafkovsky to stay on the top line, that would be a very good development for the Habs.
They took the hard route, but the Habs closed out a game.
With a 2-1 lead, they were awarded two power plays in the second half of the third period. The Leafs are not exactly a defensive powerhouse right now, and the smart move would have been to find a way to capitalize and create some separation. But that’s a lesson for another game.
Nonetheless, a late block from Matheson and then a strong effort from him to spring Evans on a goal he was earning all night, and the Canadiens finally had the empty netter and closed it out.
That’s progress.
Marty has a decision to make quickly.
Jakub Dobes was excellent in Game 63, and it wasn’t an easy game for him, facing 33 shots. He was completely hung out to dry on a Dobson giveaway before he allowed his only goal against of the night.
Game 64 comes very quickly as the Habs head to Ottawa for a Wednesday night game. Does Marty stick with Dobes for two games in consecutive nights? The alternative is to go back to a struggling Montembeault… unless Fowler gets the call up.
That’s not the only decision. The fourth line had a strong game against Toronto, but can they do it two nights in a row or is some load management required? I suspect that’s a lesson for another night as well.
We won’t have to wait long to find out.
Hab At Her 
you should write for TSN or Sportsnet. Better yet, you could be the Leafs next GM. Keep up the great work!
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