The Canadiens have the NHL’s leading scorer and passer

In fact, the Canadiens saw their firepower duo contribute three goals in yesterday’s game. Caufield scored in overtime on assists from the captain and Lane Hutson, but he also scored earlier in the game. Nick Suzuki and Noah Dobson assisted.

And Juraj Slafkovsky found the back of the net with the help of his two line mates. It was with an extra man.

So basically, this line (because Slaf, even if he didn’t get three points yesterday, played a big one) put the Habs on their backs to get the W against Seattle.

The Canadiens thus concluded their Western trip with three wins in four games. That’s no mean feat… especially considering that, in the Edmonton game, the Habs were leading 5-3 at one point.

But the good work of the first line isn’t the only reason behind yesterday’s win in Seattle. There are many reasons why things went so well for the Habs.

For example?

1. The Canadiens may have pulled away late in the game (Brandon Montour and Shane Wright continue to kill the Canadiens, who must learn to play with a lead), but the first 45 minutes were incredible.

And so was overtime.

2. Jakub Dobes won his first six games of the season, which is no mean feat. Who here had six Dobes wins in October on their bingo card, when Samuel Montembeault isn’t injured? Not me.

He let in a few late goals, but he won.

3. Juraj Slafkovsky (on a 37-goal pace this season) scored his fifth of the year. Before, you had to wait until January to see him score his fifth of the year.

It’s all coming together nicely.

It’s good to see that both waves of the powerplay scored. When the opposition doesn’t have five skaters on the ice (shorthanded, overtime), the Habs’ talented players have space… and they take advantage of it.

Alex Newhook scored the other goal in overtime and the Habs were 2-2.

4. Noah Dobson was the only player not named Nick Suzuki or Cole Caufield with more than one point yesterday. Two assists, three shots and a neutral differential in over 22 minutes of play: that’s taking it well.

Mike Matheson played 27 minutes yesterday. In fact, the club’s four best defenders did their jobs yesterday.

• Mike Matheson: 27:05
• Lane Hutson: 22:20
• Noah Dobson: 22:07
• Alexandre Carrier: 19:34
• Jayden Struble: 15:28
• Arber Xhekaj: 11:29

5. Even though the overtime format has changed over time, seeing Cole Caufield lead the Canadiens (11 goals) for overtime goals is intense.

But he’s got a knack for scoring in the big moments.

overtime

The Canadiens have finished their four-game road trip… but it’s time to come back to Montreal. So today is travel day for the Canadiens.

Tomorrow, practice resumes in Brossard.