The Montreal Canadiens surprised the hockey world last weekend and at the start of the week by posting three consecutive victories against heavyweights of the National Hockey League (NHL): the Florida Panthers, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Vegas Golden Knights. This tour de force, achieved on the road despite persistent difficulties away from the Bell Center this season, caused a stir.
This winning series brought smiles back to the fans and allowed Sainte-Flanelle to climb significantly in the rankings. The Canadiens, before Friday’s matches, were only three points away from a place among the teams drafted in the East, rekindling hope in the metropolis.
Friday, the Habs continued their six-game road trip with a stopover in Chicago to face the Blackhawks and Connor Bedard. Given the irregular performance of Hawks and the positive dynamics of the CH, a victory for Martin St-Louis’ men seemed within reach. Just before kick-off, the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge announced that neither Patrik Laine nor David Savard would be able to participate in the match.
Despite an encouraging start, it was the Blackhawks who opened the scoring. Taking advantage of the indiscipline of Montreal players, Tyler Bertuzzi scored his 13th goal of the season on a five-on-three power play, barely four minutes into the game.
Unable to respond immediately on the scoresheet, Arber Xhekaj chose to impose himself differently by throwing down the gloves against Patrick Marron.
We had to wait until the end of the first period to see the Canadians level the score. Cole Caufield, with a superb shot into the top corner from the slot, deceived the vigilance of Arvid Söderblom to record his 20th goal of the season, including his 14th in hostile territory. This total makes him the co-leader in this category this year, tied with Sam Reinhart. Caufield also became the first Canadiens player since Stéphane Richer to score 20 or more goals in each of his first four full NHL campaigns, a feat Richer accomplished between 1985 and 1989.
The second period was hard-fought, but it was the home team that came out on top. Nick Foligno scored his ninth goal of the season, allowing the Blackhawks to return to the locker room with a one-goal lead. . Arvid Söderblom, imperial, repelled the 19 shots aimed at him during this period, consolidating his team’s position.
The third third proved to be just as competitive as the previous two. Although the Hawks widened their lead, CH fought back thanks to their massive attack and rookie Emil Heineman, author of his tenth goal of the season. This net also marked his seventh point in as many games.
However, the joy was short-lived, as Chicago regained a two-goal lead with just over four minutes remaining, a lead that remained until the end of the 60 minutes.
Despite a total of 40 shots directed towards the Blackhawks cage, the Habs players did not manage to sufficiently penetrate the Söderblom wall, grandiose throughout the face-to-face. There was no shortage of opportunities, but the Glorieux struggled to realize their chances.
The Canadiens’ next matchup is Saturday, when they visit the Colorado Avalanche in Denver.
