Montreal Canadiens vs. St. Louis Blues
Last night, while the Montreal Canadiens celebrated a decisive victory against the Detroit Red Wings, former Canadiens player Logan Mailloux faced a challenging start with the St. Louis Blues. In his NHL debut, Mailloux was paired with defenseman Tyler Tucker on the third defensive unit. However, his performance fell short, as he spent just over 14 minutes on the ice and was involved in the defensive lapses that allowed two of the five goals scored by the Minnesota Wild. Across his 21 shifts, Mailloux recorded three hits but also made one crucial turnover.
Contrasting Fortunes for Players
In contrasting fortunes, Zack Bolduc, who was traded to the Canadiens for Mailloux during the past summer by general manager Kent Hughes, has made a strong impact early in his stint with Montreal. He has scored two goals in his first two games, playing a vital role in the early successes of his linemates, Brendan Gallagher and Kirby Dach, both of whom have also begun their season on a high note. A recent highlight was a beautifully orchestrated play by the Canadiens, demonstrating impressive teamwork with Bolduc prominently featured.
Bolduc’s Early Impact
A native of Trois-Rivières, Bolduc has quickly proven to be a versatile two-way player, exhibiting dedication on both offense and defense. While he netted only one goal recently, his physical presence and engagement in front of the net contributed to Alex Carrier’s first goal of the season, underscoring his overall value to the team.
Trade Analysis
Although it is too early to draw definitive conclusions on the long-term outcomes of the trade, Hughes seems to have gained the upper hand over Blues GM Doug Armstrong by acquiring Bolduc, who has quickly established himself as an effective player. It’s essential to consider, however, that defensemen like Mailloux often take longer to mature and reach their potential compared to forwards.
