Montreal Canadiens Battle It Out with San Jose Sharks
On Thursday night, the Montreal Canadiens faced off against the San Jose Sharks at the Bell Centre, marking the last time the two teams would meet this season. The highlight for Canadiens fans was the presence of the Sharks’ first-overall pick, Macklin Celebrini, who managed to create some scoring chances. Despite the excitement, the Canadiens ultimately had to rely on their star players to secure a victory.
Evaluating the Goaltending Situation
Samuel Montembeault remains the Canadiens’ number one netminder, but after a less-than-stellar performance on Monday, where he gave up three goals on just 17 shots, it’s clear that the team needs to evaluate their options. Martin St-Louis has a golden opportunity to give Jakub Dobes a start on Saturday. Dobes, a young and promising goaltender, deserves a chance to show what he can do at the NHL level. This evaluation is crucial for Kent Hughes, the Canadiens’ general manager, as he needs to decide on the future of Cayden Primeau, who will be a restricted free agent this offseason. Primeau has excelled in the AHL, but his NHL performances have been inconsistent. If Dobes can prove his capability, it might be better for the Canadiens to give him the second-string spot in the NHL rather than keeping him in the AHL.
Nick Suzuki’s Stellar Performance
Captain Nick Suzuki had a night to remember as he scored his first goals against the Carolina Hurricanes and the Sharks, afeat he had never accomplished before. Suzuki finished the game with two goals and an assist, his 12th two-goal game of the season. With 60 points in 59 games, he is well on his way to his first point-per-game season. While Suzuki may not be a 100-point-per-season player, his all-around contributions, both offensively and defensively, make him a true first-line center. He leads by example, never taking a night off, and is reliable in the faceoff circle. His leadership and dedication are evident, as teammate Cole Caufield put it, "Nick’s driving the bus and we’re all following him."
Lane Hutson’s Milestone
Lane Hutson, the rookie defenseman, added another impressive statistic to his burgeoning career with his assist on Suzuki’s second goal. This assist marked his 40th of the season, making him the first rookie blueliner to achieve this milestone in less than 60 games since Nicklas Lidstrom did it in 1991-1992. Hutson is also the third Canadiens rookie to tally at least 40 assists in a season, following in the footsteps of Chris Chelios (55 in 1984-1985) and Mats Naslund (45 in 1982-1983). With 23 games left in the season, it’s highly likely that Hutson will surpass Naslund’s record and may even challenge Chelios’ mark.
Owen Beck’s Debut Point
Owen Beck also had a memorable night, scoring his first NHL point. The moment was even more admirable given the circumstances. Beck was working deep behind the Sharks’ net when he received a bone-crushing hit. Despite the blow, he kept going and passed the puck to Patrik Laine, who then fed it to Alex Newhook for the goal. This display of resilience and determination highlights Beck’s potential and his future role with the Canadiens.
Overcoming Adversity
The Canadiens faced a tough challenge throughout the game, falling behind three times. However, they managed to pull off an overtime win, thanks to a spectacular goal from Cole Caufield. The diminutive forward, known for his quick hands and agile play, easily got around Celebrini and showcased his skills to score the game-winner. However, the night wasn’t without its concerns. Josh Anderson had to leave the game for a second consecutive game, and it’s becoming clear that he needs to sit out to avoid further injury. While hockey players are known for their toughness, it’s crucial to protect Anderson’s long-term health.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the Canadiens will need to continue to evaluate their roster, especially in key positions like goaltending. Players like Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson, and Owen Beck are showing the promise and potential that the team will need to succeed in the future. With the trade deadline approaching, Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis will have important decisions to make to ensure the team remains competitive and continues to develop its young talent.
