Montreal Canadiens vs. Winnipeg Jets: A High-Stakes Match
In a high-stakes match on Wednesday evening, the Montreal Canadiens faced off against the Winnipeg Jets in their final game prior to the Olympic break. Head coach Martin St-Louis made a bold choice by starting goaltender Samuel Montembeault, who had not played in two weeks, instead of the in-form Jakub Dobes, who was riding a ten-game streak without a regulation loss. The Canadiens were in urgent need of every point, making this decision particularly daring.
Montembeault’s Remarkable Performance
Right from the start, the Canadiens seemed caught off guard, yet Montembeault quickly proved his mettle. Although he conceded a power play goal six minutes into the match, it was a situation beyond his control, stemming from a mishap by Phillip Danault during the penalty kill. Montembeault showcased his skills by stopping multiple breakaways in the first period, garnering 12 saves and ensuring that the team stayed within striking distance.
Remarkably, Montembeault finished the game with a remarkable performance, making 37 saves and allowing just one goal, resulting in an impressive save percentage of .973. His successful outing was a morale booster heading into the Olympic break after a challenging season.
Turning the Tide in the Second Period
The Canadiens had a notorious struggle with second periods throughout the year, but on this night, they flipped the script. In a span of just over one minute, they surged ahead with two goals that put them up 3-1. Josh Anderson kicked off the scoring with a deft tip-in from a Jayden Struble shot, followed closely by Lane Hutson, who executed a superb goal off an Anderson assist, demonstrating skill by pivoting to score against Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, a Vezina Trophy winner.
Key Contributions from Veteran Players
The veteran trio of Danault, Anderson, and Gallagher played a pivotal role in turning the game around. With a combined seven points, they consistently challenged the Jets throughout the match. Danault’s prowess in faceoffs was notable, winning 12 out of 18, while Gallagher’s late-game contributions sealed the deal, leading to a chorus of “Olé” from appreciative fans in Manitoba.
Gallagher’s Milestone Achievement
Gallagher’s three-point night elevated him in the annals of Canadiens history, making him the 26th all-time leading scorer in franchise history with 483 points. He is now looking to surpass Vincent Damphousse, who is just ahead with 498 points. Gallagher, who has battled through injuries in recent seasons, has shown remarkable resilience by participating fully in both the previous and current seasons, and he is nearing the milestone of 1,000 career games with the Canadiens.
Conclusion: A Promising Note Before the Break
With their commanding 5-1 victory over the Jets, the Canadiens temporarily rose to second place in the Atlantic Division. As the team heads into the Olympic break, their focus will shift, but the win served as a promising note to carry into the hiatus. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres were slated to play the Pittsburgh Penguins, which could shift playoff positions before the break officially begins.
