MONTREAL (AP) — A Remarkable Turnaround for Kirby Dach
In a remarkable turnaround, Kirby Dach redeemed himself just three days after facing intense backlash for his performance in the Montreal Canadiens’ previous playoff game. On Tuesday, a costly icing violation and a defensive slip in overtime allowed the Tampa Bay Lightning’s J.J. Moser to score the decisive goal, handing Montreal a tough 3-2 loss in Game 2 of their playoff series.
Support from Fans and a Strong Comeback
Fast forward to Friday night, Dach was back on the ice at the Bell Centre, receiving enthusiastic support from fans as he contributed significantly to the Canadiens’ 3-2 win in overtime, granting Montreal a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven series.
“You take a night like that and reflect on it, thinking about how you could improve,” Dach said. “You just have to move on by the next morning and prepare for the upcoming game.”
Following the disappointing loss, Dach was targeted online, leading him to shut down his Instagram account amid the criticism. Some fans even expressed their dissatisfaction through social media and local sports radio, urging head coach Martin St. Louis to bench Dach in favor of Joe Veleno or veteran Brendan Gallagher. St. Louis, however, voiced his support for Dach, stating,
“I won’t abandon a player unless he quits on himself. Kirby is a solid hockey player, and mistakes are part of the game for everyone, even the best. He was understandably upset, but giving up on him isn’t the answer.”
Welcoming Atmosphere at the Bell Centre
The crowd at the Bell Centre welcomed Dach warmly, evident from the thunderous applause when he appeared on the jumbotron during warm-ups, with fans chanting his name.
“I was taken aback by that, it was really nice to feel their support,” said Dach. “The fans have been incredible for us all year and have stood by me through thick and thin.”
Key Contributions in the Game
Dach’s contributions came early in the game as he assisted Alexandre Texier for the opening goal and then netted his own in the second period, tying the game after a shot that deflected off Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh into the net. He played a pivotal role alongside his new line-mates Texier and Zachary Bolduc; this trio accounted for three goals, including Lane Hutson’s overtime winner just over two minutes into the extra period. Together, they racked up a total of six points and made six out of Montreal’s 29 shots for the night.
Overcoming Challenges This Season
This season has been difficult for Dach due to injuries, limiting him to just eight goals and 15 points over 37 regular-season games. His recent performance marked his first goal and point at home since the end of February, along with his first multi-point game since late January.
“I’ve learned a lot from the struggles with injuries and how to keep myself in game shape and mentally prepared,” Dach reflected.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
As anticipation builds, the focus now shifts to Game 4, set to take place on Sunday in Montreal.
