(MTL VS WPG) The Daily Habit: Montreal Grabs a Win At Home

The Habs put forward a much better effort to beat the Jets tonight.

Image by habseyesontheprize.com

Coming off a two-game losing streak, after winning three straight before that, the Montreal Canadiens were looking to get back in the win column against the Winnipeg Jets.

The last two losses have been ugly for the Habs, with 7-2 and 5-2 losses to the Avalanche and Senators, respectively. Luckily, Winnipeg was also struggling, losing five of their last six games and without their star goalie Hellebuyck.

Montreal was able to pick up two points with a 3-2 shootout win.

1st Period:

It was a physical game throughout, which was nice to see considering the lack of effort over the last two games. Montreal came out and had several scoring chances, but couldn't beat Eric Comrie, who decided to turn into prime Carey Price tonight for some reason.

Arber Xhejai fought Adam Lowry after Lowry's hit on Carrier. Xhejai obviously won the fight.

They also did a good job of defending, not giving the Jets anything. Most of the time was spent in Winnipeg's end.

They did for 19 minutes...not 20 though. With one minute left, the top line was caught up the ice, and Dobson and Matheson left Scheifele alone. He scored to make it 1-0 Jets after one period.

2nd Period:

More good hockey from Montreal to begin the second. A lot of chances for Evans, Caufield, Gallagher, etc., but they couldn't beat Comrie.

Eventually though, Demidov drew a penalty, allowing the Habs to go to the powerplay. Immediately off the draw, Suzuki passed it to Caufield, who passed it to Slaf in the slot, who buried it top-shelf to tie it 1-1.

Right after the goal, the Jets top line hemmed Montreal's top line in their own zone. After a mad goal-line scramble, Slafkovsky lost his stick, and the Jets cycled for over a minute. Eventually, Kyle Connor was left alone and buried it to make the score 2-1 Winnipeg.

Immediately after, the Canadiens' second line got the puck in the deep, and Demidov spun off Morrissey and passed a perfect pass to Kapanen. He beat Comrie to tie the game 2-2.

The game died down after that flurry of goals, and the two teams went into the dressing room tied after two periods.

3rd Period:

Very tame game in the third. Not many chances for either side. I think both teams wanted a point, which is understandable considering their recent struggles.

The game went to OT tied 2-2.

Overtime:

Overtime was electric.

Early on, Demidov was robbed with the glove by Comire. Caufield was also robbed on a 2-on-1.

Dobes robbed Winnipeg on a two-on-one, and Montreal had an ensuing three-on-one, but it amounted to nothing.

Suzuki passed up a wide-open net to pass it to Matheson, who, of course, broke his stick on the one timer... whoever is manufacturing the Habs' sticks this season should be fired.

On to the shootout!

Shooutout:

Caufield scores five-hole.

Connor stopped by Dobes.

Texier (are we deadass, not Demidov or Suzuki second?) missed.

Scheifele stopped.

Suzuki stopped. He's been very cold in the shootout lately.

Vilardi hits the post.

Habs win 3-2.

Thoughts:

A good game. They were much better than yesterday, and we desperately needed the two points. They were more physical and came to play.

We should've had more than two goals. Props to Comrie, he was outstanding for Winnipeg.

Dobes was also very good. He made a huge stop in overtime, and was steady and calm tonight. The defense, although not great, was better as well tonight.

Hab of the Night: Cole Caufield

Shootout winner, and had a primary assist. He also should've had a hat-trick, but was denied by Comrie. He's a very good playmaker and skater.

Next Up: @ Leafs:

Gonna be a good game. :eafs are playing better. Dobes better start.

Article by Jacksen MacLean.