The Montreal Canadiens' victory over the Dallas Stars in overtime was a thrilling and unexpected turn of events. After a grueling 15-day road trip, the Canadiens returned home with a remarkable 10 points out of a possible 14, proving their resilience and determination.
In the final game, the Canadiens faced a well-rested Stars team, but they rose to the challenge, delivering one of their best performances in recent memory. The 4-3 overtime win showcased the team's ability to overcome exhaustion and produce a stellar performance.
The Comeback Story
The Canadiens' victory was even more impressive considering their previous encounter with the Stars. In November, the Stars dominated with a 7-0 win, leaving the Canadiens with a point to prove. This time, the Canadiens focused on tightening their game, and it paid off.
Brendan Gallagher, a key player for the Canadiens, scored the first goal, a crucial moment in the game. Philip Danault, who joined the team in December, assisted on the goal, marking his first point for the Canadiens and a significant milestone in his career, reaching 400 points.
The Chemistry Connection
Gallagher and Danault's connection continued to shine in the second period. Along with Tomas Tatar, they formed one of the best lines in hockey before Danault's departure to Los Angeles. Their chemistry seems to have rekindled with Zachary Bolduc, creating a formidable trio.
Danault's defensive contributions have been a welcome addition to the team. His performance in the face-off circle has been exceptional, with a percentage of at least 58 in five out of six games played so far. Winning face-offs and playing solid defense from the center position is a valuable asset, and Danault delivered with a 67% success rate against the Stars.
The Overtime Heroics
Martin St. Louis recognized Danault's value, utilizing him in a crucial face-off during overtime. Danault delivered once again, winning the draw and setting up Lane Hutson. Hutson created space and scored his seventh goal of the season with a precise 15-foot wrist shot.
The Rising Stars
The Canadiens' second line has been a revelation on this road trip. Juraj Slafkovsky, a powerful presence on the ice, has been a standout player. His skill and presence were evident on the 2-2 goal, where he executed a spinarama to feed Ivan Demidov, who then won the blue line.
Demidov's magic continued with a feint that left the defender backing off. He found an open Oliver Kapanen, who demonstrated an understanding of getting open in the offensive zone. Kapanen scored his 13th goal of the season, tying him with Beckett Sennecke for the rookie lead.
The Road Trip MVPs
Slafkovsky was the top forward on the seven-game road trip, scoring his 15th goal of the season on a pass from Nick Suzuki. He showcased his skill with a one-timer into the corner. Slafkovsky led all Canadiens scorers with 11 points, while Demidov and Hutson contributed 10 points each during the road trip.
The Goaltending Dilemma
Excellent goaltending is crucial against the Stars, and Sam Montembeault had a moment of weakness in the first period. A wraparound goal by Mavrik Bourque exposed a technical error in Montembeault's goaltending. He failed to close his legs, leaving the low half of the net open, a mistake that any goalie should avoid.
Despite this blunder, Montembeault recovered and gave the Canadiens a fighting chance. He redeemed himself with stellar saves, showcasing his ability to bounce back from mistakes.
The Exhaustion Factor
The Stars, well-rested, faced a tired Canadiens team, who had just completed a back-to-back game, finishing a grueling 15-day road trip. The Canadiens' effort against a formidable hockey club was commendable, showcasing their legitimacy.
The Scouting Success
Nick Bobrov, the head scout for the Canadiens, has an impressive record. Finding a star like Lane Hutson at 62 overall and expecting stars like Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky with their respective picks, Bobrov has exceeded expectations.
While some may question the selection of Filip Mesar, it's important to note that late first-round picks have a 50-50 chance of becoming NHL regulars. Drafting is an art, and misses are expected, especially outside the top ten picks.
The Drafting Debate
A knowledgeable assessment of drafting confirms that Bobrov has been exceptional since taking over under the Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton regime. However, there is a potential concern with a certain five-pick overall.
A drafting miss is defined as a player chosen in a slot where success is almost guaranteed. Top-five picks have an 85% chance of becoming NHL regulars. If a club's top-five pick doesn't pan out, it's considered a significant organizational miss.
David Reinbacher, a 21-year-old defender, is a player whose development is being closely watched. He has played 25 games this season for the Laval Rocket, recording three goals and 12 points. While he shows promise, he hasn't quite asserted control in the AHL.
Pascal Vincent, the head coach of Laval, remains confident in Reinbacher's abilities. Vincent believes Reinbacher has a bright future, praising his game intelligence and play-reading skills.
Comparisons with other defenders from the same draft class reveal that expectations for defenders can be too high, too soon. The path to the NHL for defenders is often a long and challenging one.
While Reinbacher may be slightly behind the pace, it's important to remember that he is still young. The second half of the AHL season is a crucial time for him to find his stride and prove his worth.
Brian Wilde, a Montreal-based sports writer, brings you the latest insights and analysis on the Montreal Canadiens with "Call of the Wilde" on globalnews.ca.
