DENVER – Inhale, exhale. The Canadiens defied the odds late in Saturday’s game, tying the score 6:35 into the third period, before completing a shootout comeback to defeat the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 at Ball Arena. .
Trailing by one goal, but putting pressure on the opponent for a while, Cole Caufield accepted a delivery from Nick Suzuki in a 2-on-1 build-up to score his 21st of the season and thus force the holding of a extension.
After five minutes of extra time went unanswered, a shootout ensued. Caufield gave the Habs the advantage and after Jakub Dobes closed the door on two Avs shooters, Kirby Dach ended the debate by beating goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood.
Dobes was excellent in his second NHL start, stopping 22 shots, including a series of crucial saves late in the third period.
Montreal returns home after its holiday trip, with eight points out of a possible 10 in its pocket.
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Formation
Forward Patrik Laine (flu symptoms) and defenseman David Savard (upper body) were sidelined for a second consecutive game.
Canada
