The Montreal Canadiens' final game before the Olympic break was a thrilling 5-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets, a team that has been struggling in the standings. But here's where it gets controversial: the Canadiens, despite their recent success, were dominated in the early minutes of the game.
A Star Left Behind?
One of the most intriguing aspects of this match is the absence of Lane Hutson from the USA Olympic team. With 10 goals and 48 assists this season, Hutson is a force to be reckoned with. He's not just a goal scorer; he's an all-around threat, ranking second in the league for assists. And his 58 points in 57 games? That's an impressive feat, especially considering he's blowing away his rookie season's total.
But there's a counterargument to Hutson's Olympic inclusion. While his offensive skills are undeniable, a defender must also excel in their defensive responsibilities. Hutson's plus-21 rating on the season suggests he might need to improve in this area.
The Canadiens' Comeback
The Canadiens' strong finish was made possible by the outstanding performance of Samuel Montembeault. Despite not playing for 11 days, Montembeault was a wall in the first period, keeping the Jets at bay. His 36 saves on 37 shots were crucial in turning the tide of the game.
The Phillip Danault, Josh Anderson, and Brendan Gallagher line was a force to be reckoned with. Anderson set up Hutson for a goal, and he also scored himself on a deflection. Gallagher contributed two assists early on and then sealed the deal with a tap-in tally, assisted by Kirby Dach.
A Rising Star?
Kirby Dach is a player of interest. He has a tendency to rise to the occasion when it seems like he's about to fade, and then when he appears poised for stardom, he suffers an injury. There's no denying his talent, but staying healthy is crucial for him to reach his full potential.
The Canadiens' Success
The Canadiens' performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. For the first time, they are 15 games over NHL .500, with only 17 regulation losses in 57 games. This is a testament to the long-suffering fans' unwavering support.
Before last season, oddsmakers in Las Vegas predicted the Canadiens would finish with 75 points. They surpassed that expectation, ending with 91 points. This season, the bar was set higher at 91 points, but the Canadiens are on track for 104 points, placing them eighth in the entire league.
Trading Rumors and the Olympic Break
The NHL trading deadline passed without any trades for the Canadiens, as expected. The Olympic trade embargo will be in effect until February 22. However, there was a notable trade on the final day: the New York Rangers acquired Liam Greentree from the San Jose Sharks.
The Canadiens were linked to a potential trade for Patrik Laine, with rumors suggesting they might facilitate the deal by retaining part of his salary. Laine has been practicing in a contact jersey for the past two weeks and is ready to play. However, it seems the Canadiens are not yet ready to give him a chance, despite his improved health and speed.
A Second Chance?
It's worth considering whether giving Laine another opportunity could benefit the team. With no downside to playing him and the Canadiens attempting to unload him with no return, it might be a wise move to see if he can contribute more. The worst-case scenario is that he performs poorly, which could actually benefit a team looking to lose more games for a higher draft pick.
This story will continue after the Olympics, when trades will be allowed again until March 6.
Brian Wilde, a Montreal-based sports writer, brings you this analysis after each Canadiens game, offering a unique perspective on the team's journey.
