On Saturday night, the Montreal Canadiens opened a five-game road trip in Nashville against the Predators. Having swept a three-game homestand, the Habs were hoping to take that show on the road. The result was a 4-1 win.
Here are some things worth talking about.
Demidov is putting it all together and the second line is rocking.
At the trade deadline, we were all hopeful for a deal to strengthen the top six for the long term. HuGo tried. But when the deadline passed and no deal was made the coach had to work with what he had.
Returning Slafkovsky to the top line was the right call, and retuning Newhook to the second line was another. Since the trio of Newhook, Kapanen and Demidov have been reunited, they have continued to improve. They had a combined six points against the Preds, and that’s decent secondary scoring.
On the first goal, Suzuki happened upon a turnover on his way to change, and tapped it to Demidov. With no passing option, the kid blew it by Saros. The trio combined again when Kapanen did what he does best and planted himself in front of the net during pressure.
Then Demidov set up Newhook with a beautiful pass that Newhook finished with a shot we don’t see often enough. It’s a good time to point out that an injury interrupted what has been a breakout season for Alex Newhook.
Mr. Saturday Night has just two left to get to 50.
10 games remain in the regular season, and Cole Caufield needs five goals to get to 50. 20 of those have come on Saturday night. I feel confident we’ll see 50, and probably another one or two on the Saturdays that remain.
Lane Hutson is keeping great company.
With an assist on the Kapanen goal, Hutson hit 60 assists. Having hit 60 last season, he finds himself in company with Paul Coffey and Bobby Orr. That got me thinking.
I remember the Coffey era, and particular his time in Edmonton where his main D partner was Charlie Huddy. The offensively gifted Coffey was supported by the defensively minded Huddy. I don’t remember much from the Orr era, but an older friend tells me Dallas Smith was Orr’s Huddy.
Struble has played well, but he’s not likely the long term partner for Hutson. I’m still hoping we get a look at Reinbacher on this road trip.
Fowler had another big game.
A ridiculous bounce off the boards killed the shutout, but everyone in the building on Saturday knows the kid backstopped to shutout quality. Dobes has been excellent, but the competition for the starter’s net has not hurt the Habs one bit.
The road trip continues on Sunday with an early game against the Canes, I suspect Dobes will need to be very good to support a tired group.
These under 24 hours games are less than ideal.
Hab At Her 