Honoring the Past, Adjusting for the Future
After a disappointing loss against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night, head coach Martin St-Louis decided it was time to shake things up for the second game of the back-to-back. The Montreal Canadiens took on the Winnipeg Jets with a new lineup, aiming to address the defensive issues that had plagued them in their previous game. Before the game, the organization honored former defenseman Andrei Markov, a player who embodied the spirit of the Canadiens. Markov, known for his unwavering dedication and skill, was a beloved figure in Montreal, and the tribute served as a powerful reminder of the team’s rich history and the standards set by its legends.
Lineup Adjustments and Defensive Realignments
St-Louis, unimpressed by his team’s defensive performance against Ottawa, made some strategic changes to the lineup. Juraj Slafkovsky was paired back with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, while Zachary Bolduc moved from the top line to the fourth. Brendan Gallagher rejoined Jake Evans and Josh Anderson, and Alexandre Texier got his first look in the top six. Florian Xhekaj made way for Brandon Davidson, who completed a line with Joe Velenon and Bolduc. These adjustments were aimed at creating more balanced and effective five-man units on the ice, a crucial factor in a tightly contested game against a formidable opponent like the Jets.
Jakub Dobes: A Steady Presence in the Net
Jakub Dobes returned to the net on Wednesday night, and his performance was a stark contrast to that of Samuel Montembeault. Dobes exuded confidence and moved with a fluidity that was evident throughout the game. His desperation dive to one side after colliding with Jonathan Toews was a testament to his quick reflexes and determination. Despite the collision, he managed to recover and secure the puck, showcasing his resilience. Dobes’ glove hand was particularly sharp, and he excelled at tracking long-range shots, an area where Montembeault had previously struggled. His excellent puck tracking and ability to stay on the right side of wraparounds were crucial in maintaining the Canadiens’ defensive integrity. Dobes’ stellar performance was instrumental in securing the two points for Montreal, making multiple key saves, particularly in the third period and overtime. His solid communication with his defensemen, often heard smacking his stick on the ice when a situation needed correction, further highlighted his leadership and presence in the net.
A Turning Point in the Second Period
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the Canadiens finished the second period with a positive differential, scoring two goals while allowing just one. This was not a flawless frame, as the young Habs still showed signs of panic when things went awry. For instance, when they had to defend with one less stick, the Jets exploited the situation, passing the puck around until they took a temporary 2-1 lead. However, the Canadiens’ power play was efficient, needing less than 30 seconds to score their first goal of the game, thanks to a beautifully executed tic-tac-toe passing play completed by Slafkovsky. The second goal was a testament to the combativeness of Nikita Demidov, who chased down a deep pass, outmuscled Josh Morrissey, and set up a perfect pass for Tomas Kapanen to score. Demidov’s impressive play not only netted his eighth goal of the season, tying him with Matthew Schaefer as the joint leader in goals scored among rookies, but also highlighted his growing confidence and effectiveness on the ice.
Demidov’s Rising Star
Nikita Demidov’s performance on Wednesday night was a highlight of the game. The young Russian spent 19:29 on the ice, the most ice time he has ever had, and he thrived with the added responsibility. St-Louis praised Demidov’s physicality and ability to win battles, noting that he is much further along in his development than Slafkovsky was in his first season. Demidov’s willingness to use his body and edges in tight spaces demonstrated his growing maturity and adaptability. His strong play earned him a solo lead in assists among rookies, further cementing his status as a rising star on the Canadiens roster. The coach’s comments underscored the importance of physicality in the NHL and Demidov’s readiness to embrace that aspect of the game.
Xhekaj’s Grit and St-Louis’ Approval
Arber Xhekaj, who had been criticized for not fighting Kurtis MacDermid in the previous game, made up for it on Wednesday by dropping the gloves to take on Jets’ captain Adam Lowry. Xhekaj, known for his gritty style of play, easily won the fight, pumping up the crowd and adding a much-needed jolt of energy to the Canadiens’ lineup. Despite being the blueliner St-Louis used the least, playing 13:41, Xhekaj had a solid game. St-Louis praised his performance, noting that he provided quality minutes and that his physicality and willingness to engage in fights were crucial to the team’s success. The coach’s approval is a positive sign for Xhekaj’s development and his role within the team.
A Confidence-Boosting Win
This 3-2 shootout win against the Winnipeg Jets will be a significant boost to the Canadiens’ collective confidence. Jakub Dobes’ standout performance in net, combined with the team’s improved defensive play and timely goals, highlighted the effectiveness of St-Louis’ lineup adjustments. With another back-to-back on the horizon this weekend, it will be interesting to see which goaltender gets the nod for the upcoming games against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto and the St. Louis Blues at the Bell Centre. This victory not only brings the Canadiens two crucial points but also reinforces the belief that, with the right adjustments and performances, they are capable of competing at a high level in the NHL.
