Montreal Canadiens Postgame: Comeback Falls Short In OT

Here is your Sick Media Montreal Canadiens Postgame:

THREE STARS

1. Tomas Novak: 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 shots

2. Nick Suzuki: 1 goal, 3 assists, +4, 4 shots, 4 hits

3. Cole Caufield: 2 goals, +3, 3 shots

CLUTCH:

The duo of Malkin and Novak came up clutch for the Penguins throughout the game. Both players connected on three of the Penguins’ six goals on the night, including the one that won the game. When a Penguin needed to step up on Saturday these two players got the job done.

After going scoreless in the season opener, Caufield and Suzuki stepped up big against the Penguins, combining for six points. However, Suzuki had a part in all five Canadiens’ goals, proving just how much of an impact that he had on the game.

UNSUNG HERO:

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Declan Carlile was the unsung hero for his team in Saturday’s night’s matchup. He scored an important goal for the Penguins early in the second period that started a run of four consecutive goals during the middle frame. Carlisle also blocked three shots and took three shots on goal. He had a quietly strong game for the Penguins.

THE BANGERS:

The Canadiens dominated the Penguins in the physicality department, outhitting them 28-9. Suzuki and Kreider led the way with four hits each for the Canadiens. In all, nine Canadiens players had two or more hits.

SIN-BIN:

Referees Trevor Hanson and Liam Maaskant were placed in the Sin-Bin for an interference penalty they gave to Mike Matheson but also let Sidney Crosby get away with punching the Canadiens defenseman. On that ensuing power play, the Penguins tied the game at 1 and took away any momentum that the Canadiens had at that point.

Speaking of Matheson, he also heads to the Sin-Bin for a tough night at the office that features many unforced turnovers that resulted either in the Penguins scoring or getting dangerous chances. It was a night where Matheson tried forcing plays that cost the Canadiens.

The Montreal Canadiens’ second period in general was a nightmare on Saturday night as they allowed four goals in the frame while being outshot 15-7. Jakub Dobes was one of the biggest downfalls in the period, as he was often caught out of position. At the time, he was also left hung out to dry a few times as well. Overall, that second period was the main reason the Canadiens couldn’t come out with two points.

Montreal Canadiens Lineup for Saturday Night’s Game:

Forwards:

Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Chris Kreider

Juraj Slafkovsky – Alex Newhook – Ivan Demidov

Alexandre Texier – Phillip Danault – Kirby Dach

Zach Bolduc – Jake Evans – Josh Anderson

Defense:

Mike Matheson – Noah Dobson

Lane Hutson – Alexandre Carrier

Jayden Struble – Arber Xhekaj

Goalies:

Jakub Dobes

Samuel Montembeault

For the best live postgame analysis of every Montreal Canadiens game on week nights, watch the Sick Podcasts Postgame with Tony Marinaro, Pierre McGuire, Marco D’Amico, and guests!