For a fourth time in a row, the Montreal Canadiens went to overtime, but lost 2 to 1 to the Dallas Stars in a shootout on Saturday at the Bell Centre.
Despite everything, the Habs’ weekend is more than satisfactory, since they amassed three points out of a possible four after winning Friday night against the Washington Capitals.
• Also read: The Rocket loses in overtime
Jason Robertson is the only Stars player to hit the target in the shootout. Patrik Laine, Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki were unable to beat netminder Jake Oettinger.
Laine, after a four-game absence due to flu symptoms, wasted no time making an impact upon his return to the lineup. The winner of the Molson Cup for the month of December opened the scoring at the end of the second period on the power play thanks to another cannonball of which only he has the secret.
However, Jamie Benn equalized a few minutes later after a two-on-one run. The puck ended up in the top corner of goalie Samuel Montembeault, who could do nothing about it.
The Habs goaltender had a solid outing. He made several quality saves in the first period, notably on Quebecer Mavrik Bourque. Montembeault finished his evening of work with 34 saves.
With this defeat, the CH (20-18-4) now finds itself in ninth position in the Eastern Association, two points from the Columbus Blue Jackets who occupy the eighth and last place giving access to the playoffs. Martin St-Louis’ men have collected at least one point in 10 of their last 12 games.
The Canadian will be back in action against the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday in Salt Lake City. He will face the Stars again, this time in Dallas, two days later.
“I liked our match, there were no passengers” – Martin St-Louis –
PROLONGATION
03:40 | Samuel Montembeault (MTL) frustrates Jason Robertson (DAL) with a superb save
THIRD PERIOD
18:53 | It’s the turn of Kaiden Guhle (MTL) to try from the blue line, without success
16:02 | Mike Matheson (MTL) goes for a good shot but Oettinger (DAL) stands in front of him
14:18 | The Stars continue to buzz around the Montembeault (MTL) net. The latter, however, found a way to stop the puck to allow his teammates to breathe
08:53 | The Stars create a great opportunity, but Montembeault (MTL) manages to stop the puck despite the chaos in front of his net
04:42 | Mavrik Bourque (DAL) is chased and the Canadian returns to the power play
00:00 | Start of the third period
SECOND PERIOD
17:35 | GOAL – Jamie Benn (DAL) equalizes for the Stars by beating Montembeault (MTL) in the top corner
Jamie Benn’s response –
15:14 | GOAL – Patrik Laine (MTL) opens the scoring using his lethal weapon: his one-timer
-Laine is celebrating her return in the usual way! –
15:00 | Canadian gets two-player advantage as Colin Blackwell (DAL) is penalized for tripping
14:26 | The Canadian plays on the power play for the first time in the game. Matt Dumba (DAL) is sent off for double-checking
12:53 | Patrik Laine (MTL) reversed Oskar Bäck (DAL)
10:00 | After a turnaround by Juraj Slafkovsky (MTL), Jamie Benn (DAL) challenges Montembeault (MTL) but the latter remains perfect
05:25 | Nick Suzuki (MTL) is well served by Cole Caufield (MTL) but Oettinger (DAL) still has the last word
01:30 | Nick Suzuki (MTL)’s attempt is stopped by Oettinger (DAL)
00:00 | Start of the second period
FIRST PERIOD
16:26 | Montembeault (MTL) performs the splits to frustrate Mavrik Bourque (DAL)
A “Montylicieux” stop! –
12:35 | Alex Newhook (MTL) uses his speed to create a chance, but Oettinger (DAL) has the last word
11:35 | Montembeault (MTL) has been in high demand since the start of the match, but he was perfect on the 12 shots he faced
07:14 | After a whistle from the referee for a disallowed clearance, tempers heated up behind Jake Oettinger’s (DAL) net. Josh Anderson (MTL) receives a four-minute penalty for roughness. Matt Dumba (DAL) is penalized for two minutes for roughness. The Stars are on the power play
Things are brewing between Anderson and Dumba! –
05:37 | Nils Lundqvist (DAL) sees his attempt rejected by Montembeault (MTL)
02:45 | Josh Anderson (MTL) delivers a solid check against Thomas Harley (DAL)
00:33 | Sam Steel (DAL) creates a great opportunity but Samuel Montembeault (MTL) closes the door
00:00 | Start of the first period
“I had a pretty decent match” – Patrik Laine –
“A big point against a very good team” – Samuel Montembeault –
“We presented ourselves well” – Alexandre Carrier –
