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NHL: Montreal Canadiens at Anaheim Ducks
Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Montreal Canadiens were in Anaheim on Friday night, hoping to build a little momentum during their time in California. The Habs were outclassed with ease by the San Jose Sharks earlier in the week, an unfortuitous start to the road trip to say the least.

Friday’s game featured several lead changes, a bevy of goals from important players, and yet another late-game comeback from the youngest team in the league, but in the long run, the Ducks emerged with a 5-4 shootout win.

Let’s dive into the highlights!

Defence Optional

It appeared the Ducks had taken a lead in under 15 seconds of play, but a smart review by head coach Martin St-Louis reset the pendulums.

Unfortunately for the Habs, the Ducks were not fazed, establishing a legitimate 1–0 lead just a few seconds later.

To make matters more chaotic, the Habs came right back with a goal of their own, tying the game at the 1:01 mark of the first period. It was Nick Suzuki (20) who benefited from strong board work by Juraj Slafkovsky, and a good pass by Cole Caufield. For the record, it was the fifth consecutive season in which Suzuki reached the 20-goal mark.

It should be noted Slafkovsky was returned to the top line for the first time in a very long time, a long overdue decision from St-Louis.

Lane Hutson produced his 61st point in as many games, scoring his 11th goal of the season early in the first period. Once again, Slafkovsky was a crucial part of the scoring play, a good reminder that he was always the best option to play on the first line.

There’s Always A Goal In The Banana Stand

After Montembeault allowed a goal on the first shot of the game (twice, depending on how you look at it), he seemed to settle down, making a series of very nice saves to keep the Canadiens ahead by one.

However, as has been the case all year long, Montembeault made a few great saves, and then proceeded to allow an unblocked shot from the point to beat him with ease.

It’s a recurring theme that has to end if Montembeault is ever going to find his rhythm in the NHL.

Another recurring theme is Montreal’s complete disregard for any semblance of discipline.

Josh Anderson is one of the usual suspects, putting the Ducks on the powerplay midway through the second period on Friday night. Jackson Lacombe took advantage, giving Anaheim their second lead of the evening.

First Line Impact

With the Ducks up 4-2, Caufield found the back of the net for the 36th time this season, giving the Canadiens an important dose of energy midway through the third period. The play led to well-deserved assists for both Hutson and Noah Dobson.

Cardiac Kids

Montreal has a very hard time holding onto leads, but they’re one of the best teams in the league when it comes to third-period comebacks.

With that in mind, Alexander Carrier scored for the Habs shortly after Caufield made his mark, tying the game at 4-4 with roughly eight minutes left in the frame.

With the momentum firmly in Montreal’s corner, Caufield scored his second of the game, with helpers going to Dobson and Hutson, the Canadiens’ new super pairing.

Caufield has truly emerged as a one of the best multi-scoring threats in the league, whether it be via a great shot, a nice tip, or a second-chance scoring opportunity. His 37th goal of the season was critical, as the Ducks would go on to tie the game with less than a minute left in the third period.

Shootout

The game went to a shootout, where Ivan Demidov scored his first career goal in that situation, but it was not enough, as the Ducks eventually emerged with the win.

The Montreal Canadiens will be back in action on Saturday, facing the Kings in Los Angeles. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET.

All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick.

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By Marc Dumont
Marc has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for Journal Metro, The Athletic, The ... More about Marc Dumont

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