Kirby Dach helps the top line avoid criticism

In the locker room after the game, it was the same story. Several of his teammates made a point of praising him for the way he played. The coach also said he wouldn't give up on his player.

We all agree that he deserves all of this. Because for every bad play on the ice (his penalty in the first period, when he stopped skating), he made quite a few good ones. And because, as a person, he deserved some love.

In fact, his trio, put together on the fly with Zachary Bolduc and Alexandre Texier, lifted the team. The guys each got two points, Texier and Dach scored… and the trio was involved in all three of the team's goals.

By the way, can we talk about Bolduc's play on Texier's goal?

So despite everything that could have gone wrong (including the referees' performance), the Canadiens found a way to win thanks to Dach and his line.

That's a good thing, since his contribution helps make up for those who are… um… not performing as well.

Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, who didn't exactly set the world on fire against Washington in 2025, are struggling to make an impact at even strength in this year's series against Tampa Bay.

I say at even strength… but even on the power play (0-for-4 yesterday) and when the game opens up, the guys sometimes struggle. Cole Caufield was one of three players on the team who failed to capitalize on a breakaway last night.

The three guys had only four shots yesterday. Out of a total of 29, that's very few. And yet, the coach is working hard to ensure that #14 doesn't face Anthony Cirelli…

If they produced more, the Canadiens might not need to go into overtime to win their games. But seeing the Habs win despite that is proof that the team is good.

Kirby Dach is currently buying time for his teammates, who are lacking too many scoring chances. But it will be up to the captain and his linemates (players who are among the NHL's elite) to step up in Sunday's game.

If they're still playing together, that is…

overtime

The Canadiens have a practice scheduled for 11:30 a.m. this morning at the Bell Centre. The next game, as you know, will take place tomorrow night in Montreal.

Will the Habs head to Florida with a 3-1 lead or with the series tied? We'll find out tomorrow.