Montréal Gold, Kirby Dach’s (lucky) three-pointer and talent speaks for itself

3. While we’re on the subject of Cole Caufield, I think it’s worth noting that since he changed his number – from 22 to 13 following the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau 14 months ago today – Caufield has scored 46 goals in 93 regular games, then three in five playoff games.

Caufield with #22: 0.38 goals per game.

Caufield with #13: 0.5 goals per game.

4. Habs players scored no less than 40 goals per season, or nearly four per game. The Avalanche and Senators are the only teams to have scored more, at 41.

No, the Habs are no longer just a small team that must rely on outstanding defensive play to have any hope of success.

5. Three games ago, Martin St-Louis decided to replace Zack Bolduc with Ivan Demidov on the first powerplay. To be more precise, Demidov replaces Juraj Slafkovsky on the right side and Slaf has taken Bolduc’s place in front of the opposing net, but..

In these three games, the Montreal power play was 4 in 6 (66.67%), which is exceptional. Demidov picked up two points with the man advantage on Saturday, and even when he doesn’t have a point, he makes the power play work by drawing one or two players to him, leaving space for the other talented players on the unit (like last night).

It’s a bummer for Bolduc, but he doesn’t have to be part of the first unit anymore; Ivan Demidov is in his place now. And Slafkovsky also belongs in front of the net, rather than on the right, along the ramp..

6. Despite allowing three third-period goals, Jakub Dobes still found a way to win last night. He has a 6-0 record so far this campaign.

Can Martin St-Louis and Éric Raymond really decide to send Samuel Montembeault in front of the net on Saturday night, in front of an overexcited crowd that could become heavy and in the middle of Hockey Night In Canada?

My call: Dobes must play on Saturday.

7. Kirby Dach picked up an assist yesterday on Alex Newhook’s power-play goal. Dach, returning from injury, was lucky: the puck deflected off a Kraken player and onto Bolduc’s pad.

Two weeks ago – again against the Kraken – Dach scored his only goal of the year when Noah Dobson shot at his skate while positioned in front of the opposing goalie.

And in the season opener against the Maple Leafs, Dach was fortunate to be credited with a secondary assist because, in effect, the Maple Leafs defenseman had touched – and cleared – the puck after Dach.

In short, Kirby Dach’s performance is still not reassuring. That’s it.

Overtime

– Nick Razzaghi, Ramtin Maherpour and Mateo Cabanette named tomorrow for FC Supra du Québec?

– Did Nick De Santis send an arrow to CF Montreal yesterday?

– No, FC Supra’s main strategy will not be to sell players.