The Montreal Canadiens have the opportunity to build on their happy streak and start 2025 on the right foot, Friday night, as they visit the moribund Chicago Blackhawks.
However, it will be without Patrik Laine, who is bothered by flu symptoms, and David Savard that the CH will play this meeting. The latter left training on Thursday and was hit in the upper body. Striker Michael Pezzetta will return to training for the first time since October 27. Pezzetta has only played three games this season, recording no points while maintaining a -1 rating. Jayden Struble will take Savard’s place on the blue line.
This meeting is in progress. The score is 2 to 1 for the Blackhawks in the second period.
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SUMMARY
Second period
[10:37] Josh Anderson (MTL) shoots directly into the glove of Arvid Soderblom (CHI) on a two-on-one run.
BUT CHI 2 – MTL 1 [7:05] The Blackhawks regain the lead thanks to captain Nick Foligno (CHI), who skillfully deflects Wyatt Kaiser’s low shot.
Perfect deflection from Nick Foligno –
[5:22] Cole Caufield (MTL) fired two more shots while trying to beat Arvid Soderblom (CHI) in the same way as his first goal.
[3:10] The puck entered the Montembeault (MTL) net, but the game was stopped by the referees as two Blackhawks players took the puck from the goaltender under his glove.
[1:16] Tyler Bertuzzi (CHI), helped by Connor Bedard, tries to add more with a lively shot that Samuel Montembeault (MTL) absorbs well.
[0:00] Start of period
First period
[20:00] End of period
BUT MTL 1 – CHI 1 [18:24] Cole Caufield (MTL) mystifies Arvid Soderblom (CHI) with his magic hands, beating the Blackhawks goalie at close range with a precise shot in the upper area. This is his 20th goal of the season.
Caufield ties the game with his 20th of the season –
[17:46] Nice diving save from Samuel Montembeault (MTL), who blocks a very good throw from the top of the crease from Jason Dickinson (CHI).
[14:57] Cole Caufield (MTL) gets a good chance to score in the slot, but Arvid Soderblom (CHI) has the upper hand with a nice move.
[12:56] Nick Suzuki (MTL) takes Nolan Allan (CHI) off his skates with a very solid check.
[11:57] Seth Jones (CHI) goes to the penalty box for tripping Kirby Dach (MTL). Digital advantage Montreal.
[9:44] Nice save from Samuel Montembeault, who blocks a floating puck with his shield. Without a stick, he then manages to stop the game.
[8:09] Alexandre Carrier (MTL) gives a double-check behind the back of Colton Dach (CHI) who crashes against the boards. Power play Chicago.
[5:29] Arber Xhekaj (MTL) engages in a fight with Patrick Maroon (CHI) and manages to overthrow the Blackhawks strongman.
Xhekaj gets the better of Maroon in a heavyweight fight –
BUT CHI 1 – MTL 0 [3:21] Nice lifted pass from Teuvo Teravainen (CHI), who joins Tyler Bertuzzi in the slot to open the scoring. After this power play goal, the Canadian defends five against four.
Tyler Bertuzzi opens the scoring at 5 against 3 –
[1:58] Frank Nazar (CHI) takes two penalties from CH when Jayden Struble (MTL) hits him with a stick before Arber Xhekaj trips him. Chicago’s five-on-three power play.
[0:34] Arvid Soderblom (CHI) makes a last-minute save in front of Alex Newhook (MTL) following a great play from Kirby Dach.
[0:00] Start of period
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With a victory, they can also get within one point of the playoffs if the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins suffer defeat in the evening. With two additional points, the Habs would only be one point behind the Ottawa team, which holds the second position of drafted team in the East.
Martin St-Louis’ squad will aim for a seventh victory in eight games and a fourth in a row. The CH has never won four wins since 2021-2022; it was in the beginnings of St-Louis behind the Habs bench.
Surprisingly, it is goalie No. 1 Samuel Montembeault who will be sent into the fray against the 32nd and last team in the Bettman circuit standings. We assume that St-Louis wants to ensure they pocket both points in this very competitive match.
Jakub Dobes should thus be “sacrificed” Saturday in Denver against the Avalanche.
To return to the match of the day, the CH will closely monitor the “Hawks” prodigy Connor Bedard. The young man is getting back on track after a slow start to the season. He has 18 points, including seven goals, in his last 17 games.
We will also be treated to a first clash between the Dach brothers in the NHL. Kirby Dach’s little brother, Colton, should actually play his first game in the NHL with the Blackhawks.
